Saudi authorities seize 8.3 million Captagon pills in twin smuggling attempts

Authorities foil 8.3m Captagon smuggling bids. (SPA)
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  • Banned drugs found hidden in onion and silicon barrel shipments unloaded at Jeddah Islamic Port
  • 3 suspects arrested so far by the Saudi General Directorate of Narcotics Control

JEDDAH: The Saudi Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has continued its efforts to fight drug smugglers, as it managed to thwart two attempts to smuggle more than 8.3 million Captagon amphetamine pills at Jeddah Islamic Port, found hidden in consignments coming into Saudi Arabia.

The authority explained that the first consignment, which contained onions, was subject to customs procedures and examination through security techniques and police dogs. In total, 3,054,000 Captagon pills were found hidden inside the consignment.

In the second attempt, 5,281,250 Captagon pills were hidden in a consignment of silicon barrels.

Three people were arrested by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.

The authority confirmed that it is continuing to tighten control over the Kingdom’s imports to combat smuggling attempts.

Authorities urge anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential security reports line on 1910, email 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or phone the international number 00966114208417. Financial rewards are given for accurate tipoffs.