{
  "id": 4178625,
  "title": "Saudi customs report 1,078 contraband seizures in one week",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/saudi-customs-report-1-078-contraband-seizures-in-one-week",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T11:26:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/saudi-arabia/oqg1pulss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Over the course of a single week, Saudi customs authorities made 1,078 seizures of contraband items, as part of their ongoing efforts to maintain security and prevent the entry of illegal substances into the country. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) reported the seizures at various entry points, including land, sea, and air. Among the confiscated items were 107 different types of narcotics, such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Captagon pills, and other substances. Additionally, customs officials intercepted 2,024 cases involving tobacco and its derivatives, along with 30 instances of undeclared cash and two cases of weapons and related equipment.\n\nZATCA emphasized its dedication to maintaining rigorous customs oversight for Saudi Arabia's imports and exports, aiming to ensure public safety through ongoing cooperation and coordination with relevant partners. The authority also appealed to the public to assist in combating smuggling by reporting violations through the security hotline (1910), email ([email protected]), or an international number (009661910). Reports of smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law can be submitted through these channels, with confidentiality guaranteed for informants. ZATCA assured that any accurate information shared would be acknowledged with a financial reward.",
  "summary": "Saudi customs authorities recorded 1,078 contraband seizures last week as part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and protect society from illegal items.",
  "key_points": [
    "Saudi customs seized 1,078 contraband items in one week",
    "Authorities intercepted 107 types of narcotics and 2,024 tobacco cases",
    "Public urged to report smuggling through hotline or email"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}