The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) continued its intensive efforts to protect the security and economy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The latest official statistics revealed that land, sea, and air customs ports successfully intercepted 862 smuggling attempts in just one week. These successful operations are part of the Authority's strategy to strengthen customs control and effectively prevent the entry of contraband in all its forms.
Details of the seizures: Variety in smuggling methods and customs vigilance
Reports issued by the authority revealed a wide variety of materials that smugglers attempted to bring into the Kingdom, reflecting the scale of the challenges faced by customs officers and their high level of vigilance. The list of seized items included the following:
- Narcotics: 33 different types of narcotics were seized, including highly dangerous substances such as heroin, cocaine, crystal meth, hashish, in addition to quantities of Captagon pills that specifically target the youth.
- Prohibited and restricted materials: Customs teams were able to seize 124 types of prohibited materials that are banned from entering for security, health or commercial reasons.
- Tobacco and its derivatives: In the context of combating tax evasion and protecting public health, the smuggling of 853 types of tobacco and its derivatives was thwarted.
- Money and weapons: The seizures included 9 cases related to attempts to smuggle sums of money (in violation of financial disclosure laws), in addition to the seizure of an item related to weapons and their accessories.
Strategic context: Customs is the first line of defense
These seizures cannot be viewed as mere statistics; rather, they are part of an ongoing battle waged by the Kingdom to protect its resources. These efforts are doubly important given Saudi Arabia's strategic geographic location, connecting three continents, which makes its ports a target for international smuggling networks. ZATCA plays a pivotal role not only in collecting duties and taxes but also as a first line of defense for national security, as these seizures contribute to:
- Protecting society: Preventing access to narcotic poisons that aim to destroy minds and break up families.
- Protecting the national economy: Combating commercial fraud and tax evasion that harms compliant traders and affects state revenues.
- Enhancing security: Preventing the entry of weapons or suspicious funds that could be used to finance illegal activities.
Call for community participation
Believing that security is everyone's responsibility, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority renewed its call to all citizens and residents to contribute to these national efforts. The Authority emphasized that communication channels are open for reporting any suspicions related to smuggling crimes or violations of the Unified Customs System.
Reports can be submitted in complete confidentiality through the following channels:
- The number designated for security reports: 1910
- Email: [email protected]
- International number: 009661910
It is worth noting that the Authority provides financial incentives to informants if the information contained in the report is proven to be correct, which enhances the concept of community partnership in combating crime.
