The official spokesperson for the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), Hammoud Al-Harbi, announced that ZATCA successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of amphetamine pills, totaling 4,793,000 tablets, concealed within an incoming shipment at Jeddah Islamic Port.
Al-Harbi explained that the shipment, declared as “charcoal," underwent standard customs procedures. Upon inspection using advanced security technologies and K9, the massive quantity of pills was discovered hidden inside the charcoal bags.
Following the successful seizure, ZATCA coordinated with the General Direcotrate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) to apprehend the intended recipient within Saudi Arabia, and the recipient was arrested.
Al-Harbi emphasized that ZATCA reaffirms its continued commitment to strengthening customs control over Saudi Arabia's imports and exports and to confronting all smuggling attempts. This effort aligns with one of the core pillars of ZATCA's strategy: enhancing security and protecting society by limiting the entry of harmful substances and other prohibited items.
Al-Harbi urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling in order to safeguard society and the national economy. Reports can be submitted confidentially via the designated security hotline (1910), by email at (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or through the international number (+9661910). Informants may be eligible for a financial reward if the report's information proves to be accurate.