Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has intercepted five separate attempts to smuggle a total of 313,906 Captagon pills into the Kingdom through the Al-Haditha border crossing.

Leveraging a combination of advanced customs procedures, cutting-edge security technology, and trained canine units, ZATCA uncovered the pills concealed in various locations within vehicles and trucks.

Among the confiscated contraband were 86,000 pills hidden under a smuggler’s clothing, 65,116 pills stored inside a truck cabin refrigerator, 52,907 pills stashed on the floor of a vehicle, 55,232 pills concealed within a vehicle’s fuel tank, and 4,651 pills discovered inside a spare tire compartment.

The authority reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening border security and preventing the entry of harmful substances like Captagon into the country. These efforts reflect a key pillar of ZATCA’s strategy, which aims to protect public safety and preserve the Kingdom’s economic stability.

ZATCA also called on the public to play a role in combating smuggling by reporting any suspicious activities. The authority assured that all reports related to smuggling or violations of the unified customs law are handled with the utmost confidentiality. Additionally, individuals who provide accurate information may be eligible for financial rewards.