Customs foil attempt to smuggle 58.6 kg of meth hidden in shoes at Jeddah port

JEDDAH — Customs authorities have foiled an attempt to smuggle 58.6 kilograms of methamphetamine, locally known as shabu, concealed inside a shipment of men's shoes arriving through Jeddah Islamic Port.Hammoud Al-Harbi, spokesperson for the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), said customs officers discovered the drugs after the shipment underwent customs procedures and was inspected using security technologies and detection methods.The methamphetamine was found concealed inside cavities in the shoes.Following the seizure, ZATCA coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to identify and arrest those due to receive the drugs in Saudi Arabia. Three people were subsequently arrested.Al-Harbi said ZATCA continues to tighten customs controls over the Kingdom's imports and exports and remains vigilant against smuggling attempts as part of its efforts to enhance security and protect society.He said these efforts are being carried out in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and the General Directorate of Narcotics Control.ZATCA urged the public to contribute to combating smuggling by reporting suspected cases through its security hotline at 1910, by email at 1910@zatca.gov.sa, or through the international number +966 11 910.The authority said reports related to smuggling crimes and violations of the Unified Customs Law are handled with strict confidentiality, with financial rewards offered to informants when the information provided proves accurate.