Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has thwarted two attempts to smuggle 52,352 amphetamine (Captagon) pills and 3.8 kilograms of cocaine through Duba Port and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport.

ZATCA spokesperson Hammoud Al-Harbi said the first operation saw customs officers at Duba Port uncover 52,352 Captagon pills hidden inside wooden panels in an inbound consignment.

In the second case, customs officers at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport intercepted 3.8 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the luggage of a passenger arriving in the Kingdom.

Following the seizures, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to ensure the arrest of the intended recipients inside Saudi Arabia.

Four people were detained in connection with the case.

Al-Harbi stressed that the authority will continue to tighten customs controls over imports and exports, standing firmly against smugglers in line with one of its core strategic pillars: enhancing security and protecting society by limiting attempts to smuggle narcotics and other prohibited items.

He urged the public to help combat smuggling and protect society and the national economy by reporting suspected smuggling activities via the dedicated security hotline (1910), the email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or the international number (+9661910).

ZATCA receives reports in strict confidentiality and grants a financial reward to informants if the information is proven correct.