Video: Saudi Arabia seizes 1.5 million Captagon pills hidden in panel cavities at Jeddah Port

Dubai: Saudi authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle more than 1.5 million Captagon pills into the Kingdom, seizing the shipment at Jeddah Islamic Port in one of the latest efforts to curb the trafficking of narcotics across its borders.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) announced that 1,586,118 pills were found hidden inside the cavities of “insulating panels” contained in a shipment arriving at the Red Sea port. The illicit cargo was detected during a customs inspection that utilised advanced scanning technologies and trained sniffer dogs.

Following the discovery, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC), leading to the arrest of three individuals who were set to receive the shipment inside Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, the authority reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying customs inspections in coordination with the GDNC to safeguard society from the dangers of narcotics and other prohibited goods.

Captagon, an amphetamine-based drug, has become a key focus of anti-drug operations in the region, often linked to larger transnational networks operating across the Middle East.

ZATCA also called on the public to support national efforts by reporting suspected smuggling activity through its security hotline (1910), dedicated email address (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or international number (+9661910).

Tipsters are guaranteed full confidentiality and may receive financial rewards if their reports lead to confirmed violations.