From Pills To Pistols: Inside Saudi Arabia's Latest Customs Busts
Among the confiscated items were 116 types of narcotic substances, including hashish, cocaine, heroin, shabu, and Captagon pills, as well as 683 other prohibited items. Authorities also seized 2,114 units of tobacco and its derivatives, 61 instances of undeclared cash, and eight types of weapons and related accessories.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to tightening customs controls on all imports and exports, working closely with partner agencies to safeguard the Kingdom and its people.
Citizens are encouraged to support efforts to combat smuggling by reporting suspicious activities. Tips can be submitted confidentially through the hotline 1910, via email at [email protected], or by calling the international number +966 1910. Informants may be eligible for a financial reward if the information provided proves accurate.
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Arab Times
15-07-2025
- Arab Times
From Pills To Pistols: Inside Saudi Arabia's Latest Customs Busts
RIYADH, July 15: Saudi Arabia's land, sea, and air customs points recorded a total of 1,268 seizures of contraband, as part of the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority's ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and protect society. Among the confiscated items were 116 types of narcotic substances, including hashish, cocaine, heroin, shabu, and Captagon pills, as well as 683 other prohibited items. Authorities also seized 2,114 units of tobacco and its derivatives, 61 instances of undeclared cash, and eight types of weapons and related accessories. The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to tightening customs controls on all imports and exports, working closely with partner agencies to safeguard the Kingdom and its people. Citizens are encouraged to support efforts to combat smuggling by reporting suspicious activities. Tips can be submitted confidentially through the hotline 1910, via email at [email protected], or by calling the international number +966 1910. Informants may be eligible for a financial reward if the information provided proves accurate.
Arab Times
03-07-2025
- Arab Times
Three-Generation Kuwaiti Citizenship Scam Exposed After Arrest Of Suspect With Massive Drug Haul
KUWAIT CITY, July 3: In a case that has shocked both security and civil authorities in Kuwait, the arrest of a man caught red-handed with one million Captagon pills has unraveled a complex web of forged citizenship spanning three generations. The case reveals not only a deep-rooted fraud network but also political interference that allowed a fake identity to be maintained for decades. Caught in the Act The suspect, believed to be a Kuwaiti citizen, was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Department during a sting operation a few days back. Acting on a warrant from the Public Prosecution, officers apprehended him while he was delivering narcotics. The man was driving a vehicle with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) license plates, raising immediate suspicion about his identity. A search of the vehicle uncovered one million Captagon tablets, a Gulf passport, and a GCC ID card—both bearing his photo but under a different name than the one recorded on Kuwaiti documents. (Click here to know more details) A Trail of Forgery A joint investigation by the Nationality Investigation Department and the Drug Control Department revealed that the suspect had obtained Kuwaiti citizenship through fraudulent means. He confessed to paying KD 15,000 to a Gulf intermediary who worked in collaboration with a Kuwaiti citizen. This citizen used an old file linked to a deceased individual to register the suspect as his son. The suspect entered Kuwait in 2013 under this forged identity. Investigators later discovered that the civil ID number on the suspect's documents matched that of a deceased person whose death had never been officially recorded in Kuwait. The suspect had merely replaced the deceased's photograph with his own, allowing him to use the identity undetected for years. The 'Father' Doesn't Recognize the Son On the same day of the suspect's arrest, authorities raided the home of the man listed as his father. During interrogation, the alleged father admitted that the suspect was not his son. In a telling moment, investigators placed both men in the same room—neither recognized the other. A third party, the intermediary, had arranged the entire scheme. Criminal Charges and Expanding Investigation The drug suspect has been referred to the Public Prosecution on charges of narcotics trafficking and forging official documents. The so-called father was also referred to the prosecution for falsifying his nationality file by adding a fake son. Further investigations are now focused on the deceased individual whose civil ID was exploited. Authorities are working to determine whether he was the real son of the alleged father or another fabricated identity within the same web of deception. A Fraud That Spans Generations The case has revealed disturbing links to an earlier investigation from 1994. At that time, the suspect's "father" and "grandfather" were both arrested in possession of Gulf identity documents, including a Gulf passport and national ID. They were referred to the Capital Investigations Department, and a file was opened under suspicion of nationality fraud. However, no conclusive action was taken between 1994 and 2001. Parliamentary Meddling and Reinstated Citizenship Despite the pending investigation, parliamentary intervention stalled any definitive action. The Ministry of Interior had referred the file to the Supreme Committee for Nationality, recommending revocation of their Kuwaiti citizenship under the Nationality Law. However, pressure from members of the National Assembly resulted in the issuance of Kuwaiti passports to their children. In 2002, the Council of Ministers eventually issued a decision to revoke the nationality of both the father and grandfather. Yet in 2003, they submitted a plea for mercy through parliamentarians. Their Kuwaiti citizenship was restored in 2005 after intense political lobbying. Document Discrepancies Confirm the Fraud A forensic review of identity records showed major inconsistencies. The names listed on the Gulf ID cards did not match those on the Kuwaiti IDs for either the father or the grandfather. This confirms that the family link as recorded in Kuwaiti civil documents was fabricated. Revoking Citizenship and Unraveling the Network The Supreme Committee for Nationality has now moved to revoke the suspect's Kuwaiti citizenship as an initial step. Investigations are ongoing into the roles of the father and grandfather, both of whom are suspected of establishing and perpetuating a false lineage that enabled multiple individuals to illegally obtain Kuwaiti nationality. Authorities are also reviewing witness testimonies previously submitted in support of the fraudulent family links. Several statements are now confirmed to have been fabricated. A Violent Past Adding to the gravity of the case, officials revealed that the suspect's 'father' was once charged in 1994 with illegal possession of a Kalashnikov rifle. Although he served 18 months in prison, the citizenship fraud case connected to him was never pursued at the time, again highlighting the pattern of neglect and possible interference that enabled the long-term deception. Ongoing Investigations Authorities are now re-examining all linked nationality files, aiming to dismantle the broader network and prevent further abuse of Kuwait's citizenship system. The case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for strict enforcement, thorough background checks, and a firewall against political interference in matters of national identity.
Arab Times
26-06-2025
- Arab Times
One Million Captagon Pills Seized in Major Kuwait Drug Bust
KUWAIT CITY, June 27: As part of its ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes and safeguard society from their devastating impact, the Criminal Security Sector—represented by the General Department for Drug Control—has successfully carried out a high-precision operation, seizing approximately one million Captagon pills. The operation was launched after authorities received credible intelligence regarding the suspect's involvement in narcotics smuggling and distribution. A well-coordinated security ambush led to his arrest, during which a large quantity of Captagon was found in his possession. The suspect attempted to resist arrest and obstruct law enforcement officers but was quickly subdued without any injuries reported. Further investigations and search procedures at the suspect's residence uncovered forged documents, revealing that he had illegally obtained Kuwaiti citizenship. In response, a joint task force was formed between the General Department for Drug Control and the Nationality Affairs Investigations Department to pursue the forgery case and initiate the necessary legal proceedings. The Ministry of Interior reaffirmed its commitment to an integrated and sustained security strategy in the fight against drugs, vowing to protect the nation and its people by taking decisive action against anyone who threatens public safety and national security.
