RIYADH — The Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has foiled attempts to smuggle in more than 19 kilograms of methamphetamine (shabu) and heroin that were hidden in vehicles coming into the Kingdom through Al-Wadiah and Al-Batha ports. Four drug dealers were arrested in connection with the seizure of the drugs. Customs officers at Al-Wadiah thwarted an attempt to smuggle in 8.5 kg of methamphetamine, found hidden in the hood of a vehicle coming through the port, while customs officers at Al-Batha foiled an attempt to smuggle in 10.3 kg of shabu and 23 grams of heroin, hidden in the side boxes and a refrigerator of a truck arriving in the Kingdom through the port. ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) to ensure the arrest of four individuals who would have received the seized items. The authority said that it is committed to intensifying customs monitoring at the Kingdom's imports and exports, stressing that it will stay vigilant to foil attempts to smuggle and ensure the safety of the society. ZATCA urged the public to participate in combating smuggling and protecting the society and the national economy by contacting the authority at the designated number 1910 for security reports, or via e-mail: [email protected], or at the international number 00966114208417. The authority receives reports related to smuggling and violations of the Common Customs Law with utmost confidentiality and grants a financial reward to whistleblowers if the information proves correct.
