Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has foiled an attempt to smuggle 646,000 amphetamine pills through Jeddah Islamic Port.

According to ZATCA spokesperson Hamoud Al-Harbi, the narcotics were discovered concealed within a shipment labeled as foodstuffs, specifically fava beans.

The illicit cargo was intercepted during standard customs inspection procedures using advanced security screening technologies.

Following the seizure, the authority coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, which led to the arrest of three individuals inside the Kingdom who were identified as the intended recipients of the shipment.

ZATCA reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to tightening customs control over imports and exports to safeguard the Kingdom and protect society from drug-related threats. The authority highlighted its close collaboration with anti-narcotics agencies to combat all forms of smuggling.

The spokesperson urged the public to contribute to national anti-smuggling efforts by reporting any suspicious activity via the designated security hotline 1910, the email 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or the international number +9661910. ZATCA stressed that all reports are treated with strict confidentiality and that financial rewards are offered for verified tips.