RIYADH: Saudi authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly 37,000 amphetamine pills into the Kingdom after discovering them hidden inside a specially designed compartment beneath a passenger bus, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
Inspectors at the Al-Haditha border crossing uncovered 36,773 amphetamine pills concealed beneath the vehicle during routine security inspections, according to the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.
Saudi Arabia has stepped up efforts in recent years to curb the trafficking of narcotics, particularly amphetamine-based captagon pills, which have become one of the region’s most widely trafficked illicit drugs.
Authorities have announced a series of major seizures at border crossings, ports and airports as part of a broader campaign targeting international smuggling networks.
The Kingdom has also expanded cooperation with regional and international partners to disrupt drug trafficking routes and dismantle criminal organizations involved in the illicit trade.
ZATCA urged members of the public to report suspected smuggling activities through its confidential reporting channels, including its hotline (1910), email and international reporting service. The authority said that financial rewards were offered for reports that led to verified seizures, SPA reported.
