RIYADH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia have foiled an attempt to smuggle thousands of Captagon pills into the country. The drugs were found in the luggage of two travelers visiting the Kingdom to perform Umrah.

The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority said that during routine customs procedures for a bus entering the Kingdom through Al-Haditha port, officials found 141,831 Captagon pills hidden inside plastic containers of olive oil in luggage belonging to two of the passengers.

The authority said that though smugglers might try to take advantage of Umrah season to attempt to bring illicit items into the Kingdom, its officers at all land, sea and air customs facilities stand ready to combat drug smuggling in all its forms. It added that it is working with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to preserve national security.

The authority called on all members of the public to play their part in the battle to protect society and the national economy from smuggling by reporting any crimes or violations they become aware of. All information will be handled in strict confidentiality, and financial rewards might be available to whistleblowers if their information proves to be accurate.