Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has announced it thwarted 1,332 smuggling attempts last week, targeting various forms of contraband including narcotics, weapons, tobacco, and cash.
According to ZATCA, the seizures are part of intensified nationwide efforts to bolster border security and combat drug trafficking under the Kingdom’s ongoing “war on drugs” campaign. Among the intercepted substances were 106 types of prohibited drugs and narcotics, including hashish, cocaine, heroin, and the amphetamine-based drug Captagon.
Customs officers at various entry points across the Kingdom also prevented multiple attempts to smuggle tobacco products, 10 types of weapons and accessories, and unspecified amounts of cash.
Earlier this month, the authority had reported 1,071 smuggling cases, which included 68 drug-related incidents. One of the most notable operations involved the seizure of over 46 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a frozen chicken shipment at Jeddah’s Red Sea port.
On Friday, ZATCA announced another major interception — 11.3 kilograms of shabu (methamphetamine) hidden in a truck attempting to enter the Kingdom through the Batha border crossing. Authorities apprehended three individuals linked to the cargo.
In a separate incident in February, Saudi anti-drug police foiled a smuggling operation involving 11.1 million amphetamine tablets concealed in a food shipment at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.
The Kingdom continues to ramp up its efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and secure its borders, with authorities vowing to maintain vigilance and strengthen coordination across inspection points nationwide.
