RIYADH: Saudi Arabian authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle nearly two million amphetamine pills into the Kingdom after customs officials discovered the narcotics concealed inside a shipment declared as lentils.
The seizure was made at the Al-Haditha customs port, where authorities intercepted a truck attempting to enter Saudi Arabia carrying what appeared to be a consignment of food products.
According to the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, a total of 1,950,581 amphetamine pills were discovered hidden within the shipment.
Advanced Screening Uncovers Hidden Drugs
Official spokesman Hammoud Al-Harbi said the shipment was detected during customs inspection using advanced security technologies and specially trained detection dogs.
Authorities later discovered that the large quantity of narcotics had been carefully concealed inside a shipment labelled as lentils in an apparent attempt to avoid detection and enter the Kingdom through the Al-Haditha border crossing.
The interception prevented one of the largest reported drug-smuggling attempts from reaching the Saudi market.
Saudi Arabia Intensifies Anti-Smuggling Operations
Al-Harbi said Saudi authorities continue to maintain strict surveillance over imports and exports passing through the Kingdom's customs ports.
He stressed that customs authorities are working closely with the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to detect and prevent attempts to smuggle drugs and other prohibited substances into the country.
Saudi Arabia has significantly intensified efforts in recent years to combat drug trafficking networks, particularly those involved in the cross-border movement of amphetamine-type stimulants.
Public Urged to Report Smuggling Attempts
The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority also appealed to the public to report suspected customs crimes and smuggling activities through official channels.
Authorities said all information provided by members of the public is handled confidentially, adding that financial rewards may be offered when information leads to confirmed cases.
The latest seizure underscores Saudi Arabia's continued crackdown on narcotics trafficking and its efforts to prevent large quantities of illicit drugs from entering the Kingdom.
