{
  "id": 9971494,
  "title": "Saudi customs record 1,263 contraband seizures during one week",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/26/saudi-customs-record-1-263-contraband-seizures-during-one-week",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-26T11:47:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/saudi-arabia/shbjb90wy"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "During a single week, Saudi customs authorities recorded an impressive 1,263 seizures of contraband items, as part of their relentless efforts to safeguard society from illicit goods. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), which oversees land, sea, and air checkpoints, intercepted a wide range of banned substances, with 62 types of narcotics including hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and Captagon pills among others, along with 270 other prohibited substances. Moreover, customs officials seized 928 items of tobacco and its derivatives, 17 types of monetary amounts, and 4 different weapons and their accessories.\n\nZATCA emphasized its unwavering commitment to rigorous customs oversight of both imports and exports, in order to protect the community and ensure the national economy remains secure. The authority worked closely with all relevant partners to maintain this high level of vigilance. To aid in this fight against smuggling, ZATCA urged the public to assist by reporting any suspicious activities through the dedicated security hotline (1910), email ([email protected]), or the international number (009661910). All reports related to smuggling crimes and customs violations are treated confidentially, and informants may receive a financial reward if their information is proven accurate.",
  "summary": "Saudi customs authorities recorded 1,263 seizures of banned items during one week to protect society from illicit goods.",
  "key_points": [
    "Saudi customs seized 1,263 contraband items in one week",
    "Authorities intercepted 62 types of narcotics and 928 tobacco products",
    "ZATCA encourages public reporting of smuggling activities"
  ],
  "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."
}