Saudi customs officials foil pill smuggling attempt at Yanbu Airport

Fenethylline pills, also known as Captagon, were found hidden inside a wooden box in the base of a bag. (Reuters)
  • Passenger attempted to smuggle 17,310 Fenethylline pills into the country
  • Pills were found hidden inside a wooden box in the base of a bag

RIYADH: Customs officials at Prince Abdulmohsen bin Abdulaziz Airport in Yanbu province foiled an attempt to smuggle 17,310 Fenethylline pills, concealed in a passenger’s baggage, into the country.
Customs Director Gen. Alaa Nahhas explained that during customs procedures on one of the inbound flights to the Kingdom, a customs officer suspected a traveler’s bag and searched it.
He found the Fenethylline pills, also know as Captagon, hidden inside a wooden box in the base of the bag, adding that the box was packaged with grain and carbon paper for camouflage purposes.
Gen. Nahhas pointed out that the necessary action was taken, adding this attempt highlighted the different techniques used to smuggle contraband.
Nahhas reaffirmed that Saudi customs is doing its utmost to prevent the entry of contraband to the Kingdom.