Saudi customs ports record 1,079 contraband seizures in a week

January 17, 2026 | 09:14 PM
Saudi Arabia’s land, sea, and air customs ports recorded 1,079 seizures of contraband during last week.
Saudi Arabia’s land, sea, and air customs ports recorded 1,079 seizures of contraband during last week.
January 17, 2026 | 09:14 PM
Last Updated: January 17, 2026 | 09:18 PM
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Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s land, sea, and air customs ports recorded 1,079 seizures of contraband during last week. This was part of the ongoing efforts of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) to enhance security and protect society from all types and forms of prohibited substances.

The seized items include 60 types of narcotics, such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth, Captagon pills, and others, in addition to 512 other prohibited substances. Customs ports also witnessed the seizure of 2,036 types of tobacco and its derivatives, along with 55 types of cash and 14 types of weapons and related equipment.

ZATCA affirmed its commitment to strengthening customs control over the Kingdom's imports and exports to ensure the security and protection of society, through continuous cooperation and coordination with all relevant partners.

ZATCA called on the public to contribute to combating smuggling to protect society and the national economy by contacting it through the dedicated security reporting hotline (1910), email ([email protected]), or the international number (009661910).

The authority receives reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law through these channels with complete confidentiality. It offered a financial reward to the whistleblower if the supplied information was accurate.