Saudi Arabia cracks down on contraband and illegal residency, seizing 1,162 items and deporting over 11,000 people

Saudi Customs reported the seizure of 1,162 contraband items at land, sea and air ports during a single week. The haul included 68 types of narcotics such as hashish, cocaine, heroin, crystal meth and Captagon pills, 363 other prohibited goods, smuggled tobacco products, cash and weapons. The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority called on the public to report smuggling attempts via its hotline and email.

The Ministry of Interior’s nationwide security operations from June 18 to June 24 resulted in more than 15,200 arrests for breaches of residency, labour and border‑security laws. Authorities deported 11,297 illegal residents, referred over 15,000 people to their diplomatic missions for travel documents and detained thousands attempting illegal entry, most of whom were Ethiopian or Yemeni nationals. Penalties for facilitating illegal entry or employment can reach 15 years imprisonment and fines up to SR1 million. The ministry also urged citizens to report violations through designated hotlines.