DistantNews
Saudi Customs Seize Over 29kg of Cocaine at Jeddah Port

Saudi Customs Seize Over 29kg of Cocaine at Jeddah Port

From Okaz · (6d ago) Arabic

Translated from Arabic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Saudi customs authorities at the Islamic Port of Jeddah successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle 29.1 kilograms of cocaine.
  • The illicit drugs were discovered hidden within the air conditioning unit of a shipping container.
  • The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) reiterated its commitment to controlling imports and exports and combating smuggling, urging public cooperation.

Saudi Arabia continues its unwavering stance against the infiltration of illicit substances, with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) once again demonstrating its vigilance. The recent seizure of over 29 kilograms of cocaine at the Islamic Port of Jeddah is a significant victory in the ongoing battle to protect the Kingdom's borders and its citizens from the scourge of drug trafficking.

The authority is continuing to tighten customs control over the Kingdom's imports and exports through all its customs outlets, standing vigilant against the attempts of smugglers.

— Hamoud Al-HarbiSpokesperson for ZATCA, explaining the authority's ongoing efforts to combat smuggling.

The meticulous work of ZATCA officials, utilizing advanced security technologies, led to the discovery of the cocaine ingeniously concealed within a container's air conditioning unit. This sophisticated method of concealment underscores the lengths to which smugglers will go, but it also highlights the effectiveness of Saudi Arabia's robust customs procedures and the dedication of its personnel.

This successful interdiction is not an isolated incident but part of a broader, strategic effort by ZATCA to safeguard the nation's security and economic integrity. By tightening controls on all incoming and outgoing goods, the authority actively thwarts the attempts of those who seek to exploit trade routes for criminal purposes. The cooperation with the General Directorate for Drug Control further strengthens this defense.

This is in line with one of the main pillars of its strategy, which is to enhance the security and protection of society by reducing attempts to smuggle such substances and other prohibited items in coordination and cooperation with its partners in the General Directorate for Drug Control.

— Hamoud Al-HarbiSpokesperson for ZATCA, detailing the strategic importance of the seizure.

As emphasized by ZATCA spokesperson Hamoud Al-Harbi, the fight against smuggling requires a collective effort. The public's role in reporting suspicious activities is crucial, and the authority actively encourages citizens to utilize the provided channels for reporting. This collaborative approach, coupled with strict enforcement, ensures that Saudi Arabia remains a formidable barrier against the flow of prohibited substances, protecting both society and the national economy.

Al-Harbi called on everyone to contribute to combating smuggling to protect society and the national economy by contacting the authority at the designated security reporting number (1910) or via email (1910@zatca.gov.sa) and the international number (009661910).

— Hamoud Al-HarbiSpokesperson for ZATCA, encouraging public participation in reporting smuggling activities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Okaz in Arabic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.