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.


Lucia festival lights up Swedish Embassy in Riyadh

Updated 11 December 2025
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Lucia festival lights up Swedish Embassy in Riyadh

RIYADH: A celebration of light and traditional choir singing illuminated the Swedish Embassy in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter on Wednesday evening for the country’s Lucia festival.

Based on ancient pre-Christian traditions intertwined with the story of Saint Lucy, who is depicted wearing a crown of candles, the festival is cherished for bringing some respite from the dark Scandinavian winter.

The Riyadh embassy hosted a number of dignitaries and members of the Swedish community in Saudi Arabia, with catering provided by Ikea.

Swedish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Petra Menander spoke to Arab News about the significance of the festival.

“It's a very, very old tradition that leads back to our peasant times when we needed to fight the darkness with light,” she said.

“And so we actually adopted an old tradition from Italy where Lucia comes with light in her hair and that made us all feel very, very comfortable.

“And it’s something that we actually celebrate just as much as the other holidays, like Christmas or so on. It’s inescapable, at all schools, everywhere.”

Holding the festival in Riyadh was particularly special as it not only brought a glimpse of Swedish culture to Saudi Arabia, but also helped Swedish nationals living in the Kingdom reconnect with their homeland.

“I think it’s a very nice way to bring Swedish culture overseas, but it’s also a nice way of getting the Swedish community together,” said Menander.

“We just have many people who come from mixed backgrounds and they’re very happy that they can introduce their children to this tradition even if they’re living very far away from Sweden. So, it’s a very warm feeling for me.”