Customs Records 1,173 Contraband Seizures in a Week

Saudi customs authorities recorded 1,173 contraband seizures across the Kingdom's land, sea, and air ports during a single week in September 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen border security and protect society from smuggling.

The seizures included 70 categories of narcotics, among them hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth known as "shabu," and Captagon pills, in addition to other prohibited drugs. Authorities also seized 216 other prohibited materials during the same week.

Customs ports foiled 888 smuggling attempts involving tobacco and its derivatives that violated customs regulations. The week's operations also detected 13 cases involving undeclared or prohibited cash and counterfeit currency, along with one case involving weapons and related equipment.

Why it matters

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority carried out the seizures as part of its continuous work to secure the Kingdom's borders and shield the community from harmful and illegal goods. Such operations help curb the flow of narcotics and prohibited items that can affect public safety and health.

The Authority encourages the public to report smuggling and customs violations through its security reporting hotlines and dedicated email. Informants whose information is verified as accurate may receive financial rewards, reinforcing the role of the community in supporting border security efforts.

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