Saudi authorities thwart massive Captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha

ZATCA successfully thwarts an attempt to smuggle 406,395 Captagon pills concealed in a livestock shipment. (ZATCA)
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Updated 08 August 2025
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Saudi authorities thwart massive Captagon smuggling attempt at Al-Haditha

  • Over 400,000 pills seized hidden in livestock shipment
  • Border Guard also confiscated 100,800 pills in Jazan

RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority at Al-Haditha border crossing successfully thwarted an attempt to smuggle 406,395 amphetamine pills, under the brand name Captagon, concealed in a livestock shipment.

In an official statement posted on X on Friday ZATCA explained: “Upon customs procedures and inspection using security techniques and live equipment, the pills were found hidden inside the sheep’s fur.”

After the seizure, coordination was made with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to ensure the arrest of the intended recipients of the contraband in the Kingdom who were subsequently apprehended, added the authority.

ZATCA affirmed its commitment to tightening customs control over the Kingdom’s imports and exports and to confronting smuggling attempts.

This is in line with the most prominent pillars of its strategy, which is to enhance the security and protection of society by limiting attempts to smuggle such pests and other prohibited items.

The authority called on citizens and residents to contribute to combating smuggling and protect society and the national economy by contacting it on the dedicated security reporting number (1910), via email ([email protected]), or by calling the international number (009661910).

Through these channels, the authority receives information related to smuggling crimes and violations of the provisions of the Unified Customs Law with complete confidentiality, and a financial reward is granted to those providing the tip-off if the information provided is accurate.

Meanwhile the Border Guard land patrols in the Ad-Daer sector in Jazan region also thwarted the smuggling of 100,800 Captagon pills. The seized contraband handed over to the relevant authorities. 

Security authorities urged people to provide information they may have about smuggling by calling (911) in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, (999) and (994) in the rest of the Kingdom, or by calling the General Directorate of Narcotics Control’s reporting number (995), or by email ([email protected]). All reports will be handled with complete confidentiality.


Celestial spectacle in KSA’s north on first day of Ramadan

Updated 44 min 23 sec ago
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Celestial spectacle in KSA’s north on first day of Ramadan

  • Venus-crescent moon alignment visible in Northern Borders
  • Meteorology center issuing swift weather alerts for pilgrims

ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in the Kingdom with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In addition, the National Center for Meteorology has confirmed its readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah.

On Tuesday evening in Arar there was a rare alignment of the planet Venus with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan.

Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.

While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, the SPA said.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)

Meanwhile, as the faithful began fasting, the NMC announced the readiness of its observatories at the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and ensure aviation safety.

The NCM’s CEO Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam said there would be round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the two holy mosques.

To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the Nusuk and Tawakkalna smart applications. Ten-day forecasts and alerts will also be available via the Anwaa app and on guidance boards along highways.

The center has 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season, the SPA reported.