Saudi customs authority foils massive drug smuggling attempts

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Customs authority foils massive drug smuggling attempts. (SPA)
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Customs authority foils massive drug smuggling attempts. (SPA)
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Updated 26 February 2022
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Saudi customs authority foils massive drug smuggling attempts

  • Four arrested after officials seize over 1.1m Captagon pills

RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority foiled four attempts to smuggle 1,109,393 Captagon pills found hidden in shipments through the port at Duba.

The authority explained that the pills were seized when trucks arriving in the Kingdom were subjected to customs procedures and examinations with police dogs.
It noted that in the first attempt, 95,782 pills were found in different parts of one truck, and that in the second attempt, 382,218 pills were found in the floor of another truck.

HIGHLIGHT

In the first attempt, 95,782 pills were found in different parts of one truck, and in the second attempt, 382,218 pills were found in the floor of another truck. In the third attempt, 51,761 pills were found hidden in a shipment of wooden tables, and in the fourth attempt, 579,632 pills were found hidden in a truck’s spare tires.

The authority added that in the third attempt, 51,761 pills were found hidden in a shipment of wooden tables, and in the fourth attempt, 579,632 pills were found hidden in a truck’s spare tires.
It noted that after the confiscations, it coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to ensure the arrest of the recipients of the vehicles in the Kingdom, which resulted in detaining four people.
It confirmed that it is continuing to tighten control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports and to take action to combat smuggling attempts, in order to achieve its strategy and contribute to the security and protection of society.
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential security reports line on 1910, email [email protected], or phone the international number 00966114208417. Financial rewards are given for accurate tip-offs.


Kingdom drives global efforts on space debris

Updated 2 min 12 sec ago
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Kingdom drives global efforts on space debris

  • 75 countries gather in Riyadh to address orbital risks, promote sustainable space use
  • DebriSolver competition highlights innovative solutions for orbital safety

RIYADH: The Saudi Space Agency will host the second Space Debris Conference in Riyadh on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two-day event will bring together experts, decision-makers, and representatives from 75 countries, including governments, international organizations, and specialized space companies.

The conference is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to unify international initiatives addressing the growing challenges of space debris and to promote the sustainable use of outer space as a shared resource.

It aims to protect space activities and orbital infrastructure while supporting the growth of the global space economy, the SPA added.

Held with the support of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, the conference highlights the importance of international cooperation and effective governance frameworks to mitigate space debris risks and ensure a safe, sustainable space environment.

The event seeks to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global hub for space sustainability by enhancing international coordination on space debris issues.

It also highlights the Saudi Space Agency’s role in promoting policies and initiatives that safeguard the future of the space economy, the SPA reported.

Key objectives of the conference include raising global awareness of space debris risks, reviewing related legislation and policies, fostering research and innovation, and developing effective international governance mechanisms to ensure the responsible and sustainable use of orbital environments.

The conference will feature panel discussions and keynote speeches on themes including space sustainability, protection of the global space economy, strengthening international cooperation, and showcasing innovations, partnerships, and operational solutions to address space debris challenges.

A highlight of the event is the DebriSolver competition, an international platform encouraging applied innovation in space debris mitigation.

Leading experts and international judges will evaluate innovative solutions against the highest scientific and technical standards, supporting the transition from research concepts to practical, deployable solutions.

By hosting the conference, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its leading role in supporting international space initiatives, strengthening public-private partnerships, and shaping the future of the global space community.

This aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for the space economy and sustainability, the SPA stated.

The first edition, held in Riyadh in 2024, attracted participants from more than 50 countries, along with international organizations and global companies, and concluded with recommendations to raise awareness of the importance of managing space debris.