Saudi Customs Records 1,173 Contraband Seizures in a Week

Saudi customs authorities recorded 1,173 contraband seizures at the Kingdom's land, sea, and air ports during the previous week, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA).

The seizures included 70 different types of narcotics—among them hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal methamphetamine, and Captagon—alongside 216 other prohibited materials intercepted before entering the country.

Prohibited and restricted goods commonly flagged at Saudi ports include narcotics, weapons and ammunition, fireworks, counterfeit currency, eavesdropping devices, and unregistered medicines, in addition to other controlled items.

What travelers should know

Travelers carrying undeclared monetary instruments or valuables can face financial penalties. A first violation may incur a fine equal to 25% of the seized value, while a repeat violation may reach 50%.

More serious smuggling cases can carry heavier consequences, including confiscation of the goods, referral to public prosecution, imprisonment of up to 10 years, a fine of up to SAR 5 million, or both.

The figures highlight the ongoing efforts to secure Saudi border crossings and protect public health and safety. Residents and visitors are reminded to declare regulated items and monetary instruments at points of entry and to check the list of prohibited goods before travel to avoid penalties.

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