What is Captagon? Saudi customs foil attempt to smuggle over 400,000 pills hidden in sheep, here’s what we know so far

Saudi Arabia’s zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), Al Haditha announced an important drug seizure in the passage of the border and seized a large amount of amphetamine pills. A total of 406,395 pills, known as Captagon, were discovered in a recent operation.

How did the authorities break smugglers?

Illegal substances were found hidden in the shipment of living sheep from overseas countries. According to an official statement from the authority, customs officers used advanced security technology and Sniffer dogs to make a comprehensive examination of shipment. This led to the discovery of the carefully hidden narcotics in the wool of the animals. Zatca emphasized the success of the operation as proof of the effectiveness of the efficacy of border security measures and their commitment to the fight against drug trafficking.

After seizing important drugs, Zatca cooperated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control. This joint effort resulted in the arrest of three people in the kingdom, which was believed to be the intended recipients of kidnapping captagon pills.

Zatca confirmed its loyalty to protecting strict customs surveillance on all imports and exports. The ongoing efforts of the authority focused on preventing illegal drugs and other leakage from entering the country, thus protecting the borders of the kingdom and protecting its citizens. The last seizure and subsequent arrests underline the effectiveness of these measures and the commitment to fighting drug smuggling.

What is Captagon?

Initially, Captagon, which was initially developed under the pharmaceutical name in 1961, was initially designed as a less powerful alternative to amphetamines. Narcolepsy was prescribed to treat conditions known as “minimal brain dysfunction”.

By the 1980s, the use of governments, including the USA, accepted that it was not an accepted medical use and classified it as a controlled substance. However, Captagon’s illegal production has seen a significant increase, especially in Syria and Lebanon. The weak implementation of the regulations in these areas has led to an increase in the presence and use of the drug, allowing the development of hidden laboratories.

What is the role of Zatca?

Zatca, which was established through the combination of 2021 General Authority and the Tax with the Saudi Customs Authority, has significantly expanded its role in protection of illegal trade, focusing on the struggle against narcotics.

Strategically important, such as Al-Haditha Border Port, it conducts continuous inspections in the land transitions. Al-Haditha, the largest black harbor of Saudi Arabia, acts as a vital connection between the kingdom, Jordan and Levant, which acts as a gate to the Arab Gulf States. Located at the El-Qurayyat Governorship in the state of al-Jawf, the port, which is located 745 km away from the Jordanian border, is a critical checkpoint for all incoming cargoes from the North, which makes Zatca an important focus area for security operations.

In addition to its focus on narcotics, ZATCA actively applies restrictions on a wide variety of substances that pose a threat to public security, religious values or economic interests. This contains various forbidden products such as weapons, alcohol, counterfeit products and unlicensed drugs.

In the meantime, Zatca encourages the participation of the people in the efforts of fighting illegal activities. Authorized provides more than one channel to send anonymous clues, including an international line (1910@zatca.gov.sa) and an international line (+9661910). The confirmed reports are suitable for money rewards, and they develop a collaborative approach to protect the safety and regulatory standards of the kingdom.