{
  "id": 5798875,
  "title": "Saudi Customs ports report 1075 contraband seizures last week",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/saudi-customs-ports-report-1075-contraband-seizures-last-week",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T16:48:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Saudi Gazette",
    "slug": "saudi-gazette",
    "url": "https://saudigazette.com.sa/article/664332/saudi-arabia/saudi-customs-ports-report-1075-contraband-seizures-last-week"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Saudi Customs authorities reported a total of 1,075 seizures of contraband across various ports in the Kingdom last week. These seizures encompassed a wide range of illicit items, including 71 varieties of narcotics such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and Captagon pills, as well as 390 other prohibited materials. Additionally, Customs officials intercepted 2,234 shipments of tobacco and its derivatives, 39 types of cash, and two types of weapons and related equipment. The efforts were part of the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority's (ZATCA) ongoing commitment to enhancing security and safeguarding society from prohibited substances.\n\nZATCA emphasized its dedication to implementing stringent customs controls on both imports and exports within the Kingdom, aiming to protect both security and the national economy. The Authority stressed the importance of continuous collaboration and coordination with all relevant partners to achieve these objectives.\n\nFurthermore, ZATCA urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling activities by reporting suspicious activities through various channels. These include contacting the dedicated security reporting number (1910), submitting reports via email, or reaching out internationally through the number (009661910). All reports regarding smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law are handled with complete confidentiality. ZATCA also offers financial rewards to individuals who provide accurate and verified information leading to the apprehension of smugglers.",
  "summary": "RIYADH — Land, sea, and air Customs ports across Saudi Arabia recorded 1,075 seizures of contraband last week. The seized items included 71 types of narcotics such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and Captagon pills, in addition to 390 other prohibited materials. Customs ports also thwarted attempts to smuggle 2,234 shipments of tobacco and its derivatives, along with 39 types of…",
  "key_points": [
    "Saudi Customs seized 1,075 contraband items in one week.",
    "Included 71 types of narcotics and 390 prohibited materials.",
    "Authorities urged public to report suspicious activities."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Saudi customs foil 1,075 contraband attempts in one week",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/saudi-customs-foil-1-075-contraband-attempts-in-one-week",
        "published": "2026-09-05T11:45:55.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}