In a new security achievement reflecting the vigilance of those safeguarding the nation's borders, Saudi Arabia's land, sea, and air customs ports have set a new record in the seizure of contraband. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) successfully thwarted 1,079 smuggling attempts in just one week. These successful operations are part of the Authority's ongoing and intensive efforts to enhance security and protect Saudi society from the dangers of contraband in all its forms.
Details of the seizures: Variety in smuggling methods and vigilant monitoring
Official statistics released by the authority revealed that the seized substances were characterized by their diversity and danger, encompassing (60) types of highly dangerous narcotics, including hashish, cocaine, heroin, the deadly methamphetamine (crystal meth), and Captagon pills, which target the minds of young people, in addition to other types. The seizures were not limited to narcotics alone, but also included (512) cases of other prohibited substances, reflecting the scale of the challenges faced by border crossings and the efficiency of national personnel in addressing them.
In a related context, customs ports witnessed the thwarting of 2,036 smuggling attempts related to tobacco and its derivatives, thus protecting the national economy from tax evasion and counterfeit goods. Additionally, 55 items involving cash were seized as part of anti-money laundering efforts, and, more significantly, 14 types of weapons and related equipment were confiscated, underscoring the pivotal role of customs in safeguarding national security.
General context: The war on drugs and protecting the economy
These successive seizures come at a time when Saudi Arabia is waging a relentless war on drugs, with the efforts of the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (ZATCA) complementing those of other security sectors such as the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. Customs ports are considered the first line of defense against which the smugglers' desperate attempts are thwarted. Historically, the Kingdom has developed its customs system tremendously, relying on the latest technologies in X-ray inspection and live detection methods (police dogs), in addition to personnel trained in reading body language and detecting innovative smuggling techniques.
Strategic importance and expected impact
These processes have extremely important positive impacts at both the local and regional levels:
- On the security and social level: Preventing the entry of these quantities of drugs and weapons contributes to reducing crime rates and protecting the social fabric, especially the youth, from the clutches of addiction and extremism.
- On the economic front: These seizures enhance the safe investment environment, ensure fair competition in the market by preventing the entry of smuggled and counterfeit goods, and preserve the state’s financial resources through the strict application of tax and customs regulations.
Call for community participation
ZATCA affirmed its commitment to further tightening customs controls on all imports and exports to the Kingdom, emphasizing that national security is a red line. In closing, the authority called upon all citizens and residents to be partners in this security achievement by reporting any suspected smuggling activities through official and secure channels, whether by calling the dedicated security hotline (1910), emailing [ email protected] , or calling the international number (009661910), assuring them that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
