The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) succeeded in thwarting (5) attempts to smuggle over 168 kilograms of the narcotic substance Shabu found concealed in consignments and with people coming to the Kingdom through a number of customs ports.
ZATCA stated that the first attempt had been thwarted at King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh for smuggling +6 kilograms of Shabu concealed inside a passenger's suitcase, while the second attempt had been thwarted at Al Batha Port for smuggling +10 kilograms of the same substance concealed in an incoming truck, as Shabu was concealed inside tissues boxes with the truck driver.
At KKIA in Jeddah, ZATCA has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle approx. 5 kilograms of Shabu concealed in the baggage of an arriving passenger. As for the fourth attempt, ZATCA has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle approx. 114 kilograms of Shabu at Rub' Al Khali Port, which was concealed inside the reserve fuel tank of an incoming vehicle, as well as has thwarted an attempt for smuggling +33 kilograms of the same substance concealed inside another vehicle's fuel tank coming to the Port.
After the attempts had been thwarted, the 4 recipients inside the Kingdom were arrested in collaboration with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), added ZATCA.
ZATCA confirmed that it continues to tighten customs control over the Kingdom's imports and exports; it further lies in wait for the smugglers, to realize a pillar, foremost, of its strategy, namely the security and protection of the society by thwarting attempts for smuggling these harmful substances and other contraband.
At the same time, the Authority has called on everyone to contribute to combating smuggling and protecting the society and national economy by reaching out to the Authority's number designated for security reports (1910), via e-mail 1910@zatca.gov.sa or by the international number (00966114208417). The Authority, through these channels, receives reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the Common Customs Law at strict confidence, with a financial reward given to the whistleblower if the reported information is proven correct.
