ZATCA foil attempt to smuggle over 43,000 amphetamine pills through Al-Haditha border crossing

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 43,371 amphetamine pills into the Kingdom through the Al-Haditha border crossing.

The narcotic pills were discovered concealed in the luggage of two passengers arriving in Saudi Arabia aboard a bus.

ZATCA spokesperson Hamoud Al-Harbi said the shipment was intercepted after the bus underwent routine customs procedures, including inspections using security technologies and trained detection animals.

The inspection revealed the concealed pills in the passengers' luggage.

Al-Harbi reaffirmed the authority's commitment to tightening customs controls over imports and exports at all Saudi border crossings and preventing attempts to smuggle narcotics and other prohibited substances into the Kingdom.

He said these efforts form part of ZATCA's strategy to strengthen security and protect society, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.

The authority also urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling by reporting suspected activities through its designated security hotline at 1910 or the international number +966 1910.

ZATCA said reports involving smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law are handled with strict confidentiality, with financial rewards offered to informants whose information proves accurate.