Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Customs inspectors at Jeddah Islamic Port thwarted an attempt to smuggle 3,633,978 Captagon pills, which were found hidden in a consignment coming to Saudi Arabia.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) explained that a shipment consisting of “iron equipment” was received at the port, and when it was subjected to routine customs inspections using modern security techniques, a quantity of grains was found hidden within the shipment.

ZATCA reported the seizure when the inspections were completed and coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to arrest two people who were the would-be recipients of the contraband inside Saudi Arabia.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority confirmed that it was continuing to tighten customs control over Saudi Arabia’s imports and exports to achieve the most prominent pillars of its strategy, which is enhancing the security and protection of society by preventing all attempts to smuggle drugs and other prohibited items into the country.

ZATCA encourages the public to assist in combating smuggling and protecting society and the national economy by reporting suspicious activities. Reports can be made by contacting the authority's designated security report number, 1910, via email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or through the international number 00966114208417.

The authority assures confidentiality and offers financial rewards for information that proves accurate.