ZATCA Foils 58.6 kg Meth Smuggling at Jeddah Port

Saudi customs authorities at Jeddah Islamic Port foiled an attempt to smuggle 58.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, known as shabu, hidden inside a shipment of men's shoes arriving in the Kingdom. The narcotics were uncovered during routine customs procedures and inspection.

Inspectors detected the drugs using advanced security technologies and K9 sniffer dogs. The methamphetamine had been concealed inside the cavities of the shoes packed within the shipment, in an effort to evade detection.

Following the seizure, customs coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to track down the intended recipients. The joint operation led to the arrest of three individuals inside Saudi Arabia who were scheduled to receive the shipment.

Why it matters

The seizure reflects continued efforts to tighten customs control over imports and exports and to confront smuggling attempts through the Kingdom's ports, including Jeddah Islamic Port. Keeping narcotics out of the country directly protects communities across the Kingdom, including residents and expats in Jeddah and beyond.

This is a law-enforcement and narcotics-control matter handled between customs and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. It does not involve any public procedures, fees, or permits, and there are no user-facing steps required from residents. The case is subject to Saudi anti-drug and anti-smuggling laws.

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