Saudi Arabia Customs: Big action on smuggling in Saudi Arabia, 1,371 banned goods seized in a week

By Sandy Verma On Jun 20, 2026

Strict action has been taken to stop smuggling at Saudi Arabia’s ports and border check posts. Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) said that 1,371 prohibited items have been seized in just one week. This action was taken at airports, sea ports and land routes to maintain the security of the country.

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According to data released by ZATCA, the seized items included a wide variety of items. In these 47 cases, narcotics like hashish, cocaine, heroin and Captagon pills were found. Apart from this, attempts to smuggle other prohibited goods were detected in 333 cases and attempts to smuggle tobacco and related items were detected in more than 1,046 cases. Authorities have seized money smuggling in 15 cases and weapons and their accessories in 3 cases.

It is forbidden to bring these things

There are very strict rules on bringing prohibited items into Saudi Arabia. If someone is caught with these things, he can be fined heavily, jailed or deported from the country. Those who smuggle drugs can even face the death penalty.

All kinds of addictive pills and drugs.
Alcohol and pork products.
Content against Islamic traditions and morals.
Weapons, ammunition and firecrackers without permission.
Narcotic or psychoactive drugs without SFDA permit.
Tobacco and cigarettes in excess of prescribed limits.

Important rules for migrants and travelers

Travelers and expatriates coming to Saudi should take special care of some things. If you have currency, gold or jewelery worth 60,000 Saudi Riyals or more, then it is important to declare it. Also, if you are bringing gifts or personal items worth more than Saudi Riyals 3,000, it will also need to be declared.

ZATCA is appealing to the public to help report trafficking. Suspicious activities can be reported to hotline 1910, email 1910@zatca.gov.sa or international number 009661910. Financial rewards are also given to those who provide correct information.