{
  "id": 4123225,
  "title": "Customs readiness and technology key to combating smuggling, says ZATCA spokesman",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/customs-readiness-and-technology-key-to-combating-smuggling-says",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T06:16:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/world/bpmym116k"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "ZATCA spokesman Hammoud Al-Harbi stresses the significance of state-of-the-art customs technology and well-trained personnel in combating smuggling and drug trafficking. In an interview with Al Ekhbariya TV, Al-Harbi underscored the critical role that prepared customs entry points play in thwarting smuggling attempts and safeguarding society from the dangers of illicit drugs. He noted that all land, sea, and air entry points in Saudi Arabia are fully equipped with modern security technologies and staffed by personnel who undergo rigorous training, both on the job and through specialized courses. Al-Harbi also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Ministry of Interior, and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, as they work together to keep the country secure. Recently, the authority announced the successful prevention of a smuggling operation that sought to bring 1,950,581 amphetamine pills into the Kingdom, concealed within a load of lentils transported via the Al-Haditha border crossing.",
  "summary": "ZATCA spokesman Hammoud Al-Harbi highlights the role of advanced customs technology and trained staff in tackling smuggling and drug trafficking.",
  "key_points": [
    "ZATCA spokesman stresses advanced technology and trained personnel in combating smuggling",
    "All entry points in Saudi Arabia equipped with modern security technologies",
    "Collaboration between ZATCA, Ministry of Interior, and General Directorate of Narcotics Control"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Effective customs technology and personnel training enable Saudi Arabia to better thwart smuggling attempts and protect society from illicit drugs, thanks to collaboration between key government agencies.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}