RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has thwarted the smuggling of 3,612 bottles of wine, found hidden in a consignment that came to the Kingdom via Jeddah Islamic Port.

As the consignment was subject to customs procedures and examination through security system at the port, the liquor was found hidden in a high-tech manner, the authority explained.

It added that the two people who should have received the consignment in the Kingdom were arrested.

ZATCA confirmed that it was continuing to tighten customs control over the Kingdom's imports and exports, and is working to combat smuggling in all its forms and types in order to ensure the security and safety of Saudi society.

The authority has called on everyone to contribute to combating all forms of smuggling and participate in protecting society and the national economy by informing the authority about suspicious cargo movement. It said the public can contact the authority's designated number for security reports (1910), e-mail (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or the international number (00966114208417). The authority will treat reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the customs law confidentially, and a financial reward will be given to the informer if the provided information proved to be correct. — SPA