Latest news with #GeneralDirectorateOfNarcoticsControl
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
Saudi authorities thwart massive Captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha
RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority at Al-Haditha border crossing successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 406,395 amphetamine pills, under the brand name Captagon, concealed in a livestock shipment. In an official statement posted on X on Friday ZATCA explained: 'Upon customs procedures and inspection using security techniques and live equipment, the pills were found hidden inside the sheep's fur.' After the seizure, coordination was made with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to ensure the arrest of the intended recipients of the contraband in the Kingdom who were subsequently apprehended, added the authority. ZATCA affirmed its commitment to tightening customs control over the Kingdom's imports and exports and to confronting smuggling attempts. This is in line with the most prominent pillars of its strategy, which is to enhance the security and protection of society by limiting attempts to smuggle such pests and other prohibited items. The authority called on citizens and residents to contribute to combating smuggling and protect society and the national economy by contacting it on the dedicated security reporting number (1910), via email ([email protected]), or by calling the international number (009661910). Through these channels, the authority receives information related to smuggling crimes and violations of the provisions of the Unified Customs Law with complete confidentiality, and a financial reward is granted to those providing the tip-off if the information provided is accurate. Meanwhile the Border Guard land patrols in the Ad-Daer sector in Jazan region also thwarted the smuggling of 100,800 Captagon pills. The seized contraband handed over to the relevant authorities. Security authorities urged people to provide information they may have about smuggling by calling (911) in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, (999) and (994) in the rest of the Kingdom, or by calling the General Directorate of Narcotics Control's reporting number (995), or by email ([email protected]). All reports will be handled with complete confidentiality.
Arab News
18-07-2025
- Arab News
Saudi authority thwarts smuggling of captagon haul
RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted an attempt to smuggle 310,000 pills of captagon, an amphetamine-type narcotic. The haul was found concealed in a vehicle entering the Kingdom through Jeddah Islamic Port. Hamoud Al-Harbi, the authority's spokesman, said the pills were detected during inspection and screening procedures at the port. The authority coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control following the seizure and arrested eight individuals who were planning to receive the goods inside the Kingdom. Al-Harbi reaffirmed the authority's commitment to strict customs enforcement over the Kingdom's imports and exports in order to protect society from smuggling operations. He added that these efforts were carried out in close cooperation and coordination with the directorate.
Khaleej Times
18-07-2025
- Khaleej Times
Saudi Arabia arrests 8, foils attempt to smuggle 310,000 Captagon pills through Jeddah port
Saudi Arabia authorities foiled an attempt to smuggle 310,000 amphetamine pills (Captagon) into the country through Jeddah Islamic Port. The drugs were hidden in various parts of a vehicle, and was seized upon inspection at the port, said Hamoud Al-Harbi, spokesperson of Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA). After the seizure, authorities arrested eight individuals who would have received the items in the country. The arrests took place in coordination with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. Authorities continue to tighten control over imports and exports through its customs outlets, Al-Harbi said. Everyone must contribute to combatting smuggling by informing authorities of any reports related to smuggling crimes or violations of provisions of the Unified Customs System, the authority stressed. The public can contact the authority through the number designated for security reports (1910) or via email (Email:1910@ and the international number (009661910). Such reports will be treated with complete confidentiality, and a financial reward will be granted to the reporter if the information in the report is correct, Saudi Arabia authorities added.
Al Arabiya
01-07-2025
- Al Arabiya
Saudi-Lebanese mission foils attempt to smuggle over 5 mln amphetamine pills
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Interior revealed Monday that it helped Lebanese Customs thwart an attempt to smuggle more than five million amphetamine pills, as part of the Kingdom's continued efforts to combat cross-border narcotics trafficking. The Kingdom provided critical intelligence that enabled Lebanon's Customs to seize a massive shipment of amphetamine pills, in a proactive move to disrupt international drug trafficking operations, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Security spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Interior, Talal al-Shalhoub, reportedly said the successful operation was the result of close coordination between Saudi Arabia's General Directorate of Narcotics Control and Lebanese authorities. 'As part of proactive security monitoring of criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, the Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, provided intelligence that enabled Lebanon's Customs to foil an attempt to smuggle more than 5,000,000 amphetamine pills,' al-Shalhoub was quoted as saying. The narcotics were found concealed in glass and porcelain tableware inside a container that had been shipped from a third country to Lebanon, he added. Al-Shalhoub praised Lebanon's authorities for their cooperation and added that 'the Kingdom remains committed to combating criminal activities targeting its security and youth with narcotics, and to arresting those involved.' The operation highlights growing regional collaboration to tackle the illicit drug trade, particularly amid a rise in amphetamine smuggling attempts aimed at Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia has stepped up efforts in recent years to intercept drugs at their source and strengthen international intelligence-sharing to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
Arab News
27-06-2025
- Arab News
10 arrested by Border Guard in Jazan for smuggling qat
JAZAN: Land patrols of the Saudi Border Guard in the Al-Dayer area of Jazan Province have arrested 10 Ethiopian violators of the law for smuggling 200 kg of the narcotic plant qat. Initial legal procedures have been completed against the offenders. Authorities also foiled the smuggling of 11 kg of hashish in Al-Aridhah Governorate in Jazan. The confiscated items were handed over to the competent authority. Elsewhere, authorities in Eastern Province arrested a resident of Egyptian nationality for promoting hashish. He was detained, legal procedures taken against him, and he was referred to the competent authority. Security authorities urge citizens and residents to report any information related to drug smuggling or trafficking activities by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom's regions, or by contacting the General Directorate of Narcotics Control on 995, or via email.
