Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) foiled two separate attempts to smuggle a total of 817,733 illicit pills through Al-Batha border crossing in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province.

In the first case, officials discovered 797,647 pills of the narcotic amphetamine (commonly known as Captagon) hidden inside the rear tire cavity of a truck.

In the second attempt, inspectors seized 20,086 prohibited pills concealed in various parts of another truck arriving at the crossing.

ZATCA reaffirmed its commitment to tightening customs controls across the Kingdom’s entry points and preventing smugglers from bringing in narcotics and other banned substances.

The authority said these efforts are part of its broader strategy to enhance community security and protect the national economy.

The authority also urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling by reporting suspicious activities through its dedicated hotline (1910), email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or international number (+9661910).

It emphasized that reports are handled with strict confidentiality, with financial rewards offered for verified information leading to seizures.