Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s land, sea, and air customs ports recorded 1,626 seizures of contraband as part of ongoing efforts by the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) to strengthen security and protect society from prohibited goods of all types.

The confiscated items included 73 categories of narcotics, such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, shabu, and Captagon pills, along with 882 banned substances.

Customs officials also foiled attempts to smuggle 2,886 shipments of tobacco and its derivatives, 45 cases involving undeclared cash, and four cases of weapons and related equipment.

ZATCA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strict control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports, in coordination with relevant government agencies, to safeguard the community and national economy.

The authority urged the public to contribute to anti-smuggling efforts by reporting suspicious activities through its security hotline (1910), email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or international number (+9661910). It stressed that all reports are handled confidentially, with financial rewards offered for information leading to verified seizures.