The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced a new security achievement, adding to its impressive record in protecting the Kingdom's borders. In just one week, it thwarted 1,455 smuggling attempts across various land, sea, and air customs ports. This operation is part of the Authority's ongoing efforts to strengthen security measures and protect society and the national economy from the dangers of contraband and prohibited materials.
Details and variety of seizures
The seizures included a wide range of smuggled materials, reflecting the vigilance of customs officers and their ability to uncover innovative criminal methods. Forty-six types of narcotics were confiscated, including quantities of hashish, cocaine, heroin, and crystal meth, as well as Captagon pills, which pose a significant threat to the region's youth. In addition to the drugs, 558 other prohibited substances, 2,532 units of tobacco and its derivatives, and three types of weapons and related equipment were seized. Furthermore, 28 attempts to smuggle cash were thwarted.
General context and efforts to combat smuggling
Given its strategic geographic location connecting three continents, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a prime target for international smuggling networks. Recognizing this challenge, the Saudi government has prioritized the development and modernization of its customs and security systems. The Saudi Central Bank (ZATCA), established to unify efforts in the areas of zakat, taxes, and customs, plays a pivotal role in this regard. Its role extends beyond revenue collection; it acts as the first line of defense for national security by employing cutting-edge inspection and monitoring technologies and providing its personnel with top-tier training to detect smugglers' methods and thwart their schemes.
Importance and impact on national and regional security
The significance of these successful operations extends beyond local security, positively impacting both regionally and internationally. Locally, these seizures help protect young people from the scourge of drugs, which destroys families and threatens the social fabric. They also maintain the stability of the national economy by preventing the entry of counterfeit and adulterated goods and combating tax and customs evasion. Regionally, Saudi Arabia's success in closing its borders to smugglers weakens organized crime networks operating in the region, whose activities are often linked to terrorism financing and money laundering. This strengthens the stability of neighboring countries and contributes to joint international efforts to combat transnational crime.
A call for community cooperation
In closing, the ZATCA Authority reiterated its commitment to strengthening customs control over all imports and exports to the Kingdom, emphasizing the importance of ongoing coordination with its partners in security and military agencies. The Authority also called upon all citizens and residents to contribute to these national efforts by reporting any information related to smuggling crimes through official channels, such as the hotline (1910) or email ( [email protected] ), assuring informants of complete confidentiality and offering substantial financial rewards for information provided that is accurate.
