ZATCA Foils 58.6kg Meth Smuggling at Jeddah Port

Customs officers at Jeddah Islamic Port recently foiled an attempt to smuggle 58.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as shabu, concealed inside a shipment of men's shoes. The drugs were hidden in cavities carved into the shoes and uncovered during routine customs checks.

Inspectors detected the narcotics using security screening technologies and live detection means, including trained sniffer dogs deployed at the port. Following the seizure, authorities coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to trace the recipients of the shipment inside the Kingdom, which led to the arrest of three individuals linked to the consignment.

Officials confirmed that all customs ports across Saudi Arabia remain subject to tightened control over imports and exports, with ongoing campaigns to prevent the smuggling of narcotics and other prohibited materials as part of wider national security and community protection efforts.

Penalties and public reporting

Under current regulations, customs violations involving smuggling can lead to confiscation of the seized contraband, financial fines, and imprisonment, following judicial conviction under Saudi customs and anti-drug laws. Travelers and importers are also required to declare prohibited or restricted items and large amounts of cash or valuables at entry points using official declaration forms. Failure to declare, coupled with an established intent to smuggle, can trigger criminal procedures.

Members of the public in Saudi Arabia can report suspected smuggling or customs violations through dedicated security reporting channels, including a national phone hotline and official email contact. Updated regulations, procedures, and enforcement news are available through the authority's official government portal ending with .gov.sa.

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