Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) said it thwarted an attempt to smuggle 4,793,000 amphetamine pills concealed in an incoming shipment at Jeddah Islamic Port.

ZATCA spokesman Hammoud Al-Harbi said the shipment, declared as charcoal, was subjected to customs procedures and inspection using security technologies and live detection methods, which led to the discovery of the pills hidden inside charcoal bags.

He said that following the seizure, coordination was carried out with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, resulting in the arrest of the recipient inside the Kingdom.

Al-Harbi said ZATCA remains committed to tightening customs control across all land, sea and air ports to counter smuggling attempts, in line with its strategy to enhance security and protect society by limiting the entry of drugs and other prohibited items.

He called on the public to contribute to combating smuggling by reporting suspicious activities via the authority’s hotline (1910), email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or the international number (009661910), noting that reports are handled with full confidentiality and that financial rewards are granted if the information proves accurate.