Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA) has intercepted a major drug smuggling attempt at the Al Haditha border crossing, seizing 406,395 Captagon pills concealed within a shipment of live sheep.
The illicit drugs were discovered during a detailed inspection using advanced security technology and sniffer dogs. Officials said the pills were hidden within the sheep’s wool in an effort to evade detection. The seizure was part of a joint operation between ZATCA and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, which led to the arrest of three suspects inside the Kingdom believed to be the intended recipients.
Authorities highlighted the operation as proof of their commitment to combating narcotics trafficking and maintaining strict customs oversight on imports and exports.
What is Captagon?
Captagon, originally developed in 1961 under the name fenethylline, was once prescribed to treat narcolepsy, depression, and what was then termed “minimal brain dysfunction.” It was considered a milder alternative to amphetamines. By the 1980s, however, its use was banned in most countries, including the United States, after it was classified as a controlled substance with no accepted medical use.
Despite the ban, illegal production of Captagon has surged in recent years, particularly in Syria and Lebanon, where weak enforcement has allowed clandestine labs to thrive.
ZATCA’s Role in Border Security
Formed in 2021 through the merger of the General Authority of Zakat and Tax with the Saudi Customs Authority, ZATCA plays a central role in protecting the Kingdom from illicit trade. The Al Haditha border crossing, the largest land port in Saudi Arabia, is a key gateway connecting the Kingdom to Jordan and the Levant.
In addition to narcotics enforcement, ZATCA restricts the entry of prohibited goods such as weapons, alcohol, counterfeit products, and unlicensed medications. The authority also encourages the public to report smuggling attempts via a dedicated hotline (+9661910), email (1910@zatca.gov.sa), or other official channels. Verified tips may be eligible for financial rewards, with strict confidentiality assured.
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