In a bid to strengthen the fight against drug smuggling, Saudi customs authorities have launched a program urging the public to report any attempts to bring drugs into the country, offering a financial reward to whistleblowers.

According to Hamud Al Harbi, the spokesman for the Saudi Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (Zatca), informers will be granted a financial reward when the information provided is verified as true. Al Harbi emphasized that reports about smuggling attempts are treated with utmost confidentiality.

This announcement follows the successful foiling of an attempt to smuggle 841,440 drug Captagon pills through the Al Haditha border crossing near Jordan. The illicit substances were concealed inside a truck, cleverly stashed away in iron boxes.

In recent months, Saudi Arabia has intensified its efforts in the "war on drugs," reporting several thwarted attempts. Notably, in December, border guards intercepted a smuggling attempt involving 1.6 tons of hashish in Sharurah governorate, Najran province, bordering Yemen.

Further highlighting the severity of the issue, Saudi anti-drug police seized 3.8 million amphetamine tablets in Riyadh in October. Eleven suspects, including eight expatriates and three Saudis, were arrested in connection with the haul.

The crackdown continued with the interception of around 932,980 Captagon pills hidden in a pomegranate shipment at the Saudi Duba port in October. Two individuals were apprehended in connection with this smuggling attempt.

In a joint effort with Omani counterparts, Saudi Arabia's anti-drug police also thwarted an attempt to smuggle over 6 million amphetamine tablets hidden in a shipment of pastry, citrus, and nuts in July.

Saudi Arabia takes a strict stance against drug smuggling and trafficking, with the offence carrying severe penalties, including up to the death penalty.