Saudi Customs Confiscat $24 Million Illegal Cash Since Early 2020
Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (GAZT) prevented the smuggling of more than 290 kilograms of gold jewelry and almost SR90 million ($24 million) in cash from crossing out of the Kingdom over the span of 18 months since the beginning of 2020.
In another smuggling operation foiled on May 27, inspectors were alerted to a suspicious female passenger arriving at Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport. She was found to have ingested 60 capsules, or 683.5 grams of cocaine. Similarly, a male passenger had ingested 80 capsules, containing 918.5 grams of cocaine.
FAST FACT
Travelers arriving or departing from the Kingdom who are carrying coins, jewelry or any precious metals worth SR60,000 or more, or its equivalent in foreign currencies must declare the items electronically through the GAZT application or website.
Travelers arriving or departing from the Kingdom who are carrying coins, jewelry, or any precious metals worth SR60,000 or more, or its equivalent in foreign currencies must declare the items electronically through the GAZT application or website by filling out the designated form electronically and submitting the reference number to customs authorities upon departure or arrival.
GAZT said that in the event of a false or non-declaration, a fine of 25 percent of the value of the seized items will be imposed.
If a violation is repeated, a fine of 50 percent of the value of the seized items will be handed down. This is applicable only if there is no suspicion of the incident being linked to a predicate crime or money laundering crime, but should there be any suspicion, the entire amount shall be withheld and the violator shall be referred to The Kingdom’s Public Prosecution.
