The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has thwarted five attempts to smuggle a total of 242,296 pills of the narcotic substance amphetamine (AMP). The pills were discovered concealed in several trucks and vehicles entering Saudi Arabia through the Rub’ al Khali, Al-Haditha, and Durra Customs Port.
ZATCA’s official spokesperson, Mr. Hamoud Al-Harbi, stated that the first attempt was foiled at the Rub’ al Khali Port, where 202,570 pills were found hidden in parts of a truck arriving at the port. At Al-Haditha Port, three separate smuggling attempts were intercepted: the first involved 9,859 pills hidden in specially prepared compartments within a truck; the second included 6,040 pills concealed within a shipment of “electric cables”; and the third involved 11,424 pills hidden inside the "drive shaft" of an incoming vehicle. The fifth smuggling attempt was foiled at the Durra Port, where 12,403 pills were found hidden in the drive shaft of another vehicle.
Mr. Al-Harbi added that, following the seizures, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) to ensure the arrest of the intended recipients inside Saudi Arabia, resulting in the apprehension of two individuals.
He emphasized that ZATCA continues to strengthen customs control over imports and exports to safeguard society and protect it from such harmful substances, in ongoing cooperation with GDNC.
The spokesperson also urged the public to contribute to anti-smuggling efforts aimed at protecting the community and the national economy. Reports can be submitted to ZATCA via the designated security hotline (1910), by email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or through the international number (009661910). ZATCA assures that all reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the GCC Common Customs Law will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. A financial reward will be granted to informants if the information provided is verified and accurate.