The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) at Al-Haditha Port has successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 269,411 amphetamine pills (Captagon). The illicit substances were discovered hidden within a shipment arriving into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the port.
The official spokesperson for ZATCA, Mr. Hamoud Al-Harbi, explained that a "foodstuffs" shipment arrived at the port and was subjected to standard customs procedures. Upon inspection using advanced security technologies and K9, the pills were found meticulously concealed inside containers of ghee.
Al-Harbi added that following the seizure, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) to ensure the apprehension of the intended recipients within the Kingdom. This joint operation led to the successful arrest of two individuals.
The spokesperson emphasized that ZATCA remains committed to tightening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports across all ports. He stressed that the Authority stands vigilant against smuggling attempts to fulfill its strategic pillar of enhancing community security and protection by curbing the trafficking of such toxins and other prohibited goods.
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