Dammam Customs Seize 18,549 Amphetamine Pills
Customs inspectors at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam intercepted an attempt to smuggle 18,549 amphetamine pills concealed inside an incoming postal parcel in early September 2026. The pills were discovered during routine customs clearance procedures.
The seizure was carried out by customs inspectors from the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority using security screening systems and canine units. Following the seizure, the authority coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, leading to the arrest of four suspects inside the Kingdom identified as the intended recipients of the parcel.
Under Saudi customs regulations, amphetamine, Captagon and all narcotic pills are classified as prohibited goods. They cannot be imported in any quantity, for any purpose, and are subject to confiscation and criminal proceedings. In smuggling cases, customs do not assess duties or fees; the shipment is treated as contraband, seized, and referred to narcotics authorities for action under anti-drug laws.
What travelers with prescribed medication should know
Travelers carrying legitimate personal medications that contain narcotic or psychotropic substances — including amphetamine-based ADHD medications — must obtain an SFDA clearance permit in advance through the Saudi Food and Drug Authority's electronic Controlled Drugs System (CDS). This requirement has been in force since 1 November 2025 and continues to apply in 2026.
Clearance applications require valid personal identification, detailed trip information, a medical prescription, and a medical report justifying the need for the medication, along with full drug details including name, active ingredient, dose and quantity. On arrival, travelers must declare permitted medications through the red channel and present the SFDA permit. Undeclared or unpermitted narcotic substances can lead to confiscation, fines, and criminal investigation.
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