The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) succeeded in thwarting an attempt to smuggle 1,279,132 million Captagon pills hidden in incoming consignments to the Kingdom through the port.

ZATCA stated that the Captagon pills were seized following inspection by customs through security technologies as well as K-9 units (police dogs). The illegal pills were concealed in different manners.

ZATCA stated that, in the first thwarted attempt, 699,500 pills were found hidden in a truck, “in the truck air tank", while, at the second thwarted attempt, 579,632 pills were found hidden in the tires cavities of a truck coming to the Kingdom through the port.

Following the seizure, ZATCA stated that the coordination was made with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to ensure the arrest of the 3 recipients of seizures within Saudi Arabia.

ZATCA reaffirmed its commitment to custom controls on Saudi Arabia imports and exports and fights against smuggling attempts. This is in line with its strategy to enhance the security and protection of society by decreasing the smuggling of such harmful substances and other prohibited items.

At the same time, ZATCA has called on everyone to contribute to combating smuggling and protecting the society and national economy by reaching out to ZATCA number designated for security reports (1910), via e-mail 1910@zatca.gov.sa or by the international number (00966114208417). ZATCA, through these channels, receives and follows up 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.​