Saudi customs foil attempt to smuggle 40,000 amphetamine pills hidden in glass cups

DAMMAM — Saudi customs authorities at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam have foiled an attempt to smuggle 40,000 amphetamine pills concealed inside glass cups in a postal parcel entering the Kingdom.Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) spokesman Hamoud Al-Harbi said the parcel was subjected to customs procedures after arriving at the airport.An inspection using security technology and detection methods uncovered the narcotic pills hidden in a parcel containing glass cups.Following the seizure, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to arrest the intended recipients of the shipment in Saudi Arabia. Two people were arrested.Al-Harbi said ZATCA continues to tighten customs controls over the Kingdom’s imports and exports and counter smuggling attempts as part of its efforts to strengthen security and protect society.He said the authority works in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to combat drug trafficking and the smuggling of prohibited substances.ZATCA urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling by reporting suspected violations through its security reporting channels. The authority said reports are handled confidentially and that financial rewards may be granted when information provided leads to a confirmed violation.