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Article 128 of the Saudi GCC Unified Customs Law

المادة 128 من نظام قانون الجمارك الموحد لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية · الفصل الأول: التحري عن التهريب

Customs employees may detain anyone they suspect of committing, attempting or being connected with smuggling, or transporting or possessing smuggled goods.

Official text (Arabic)

This article has not been amended since the law was issued.

يجوز لموظفي الإدارة التحفظ على أي شخص إذا كان لديهم اشتباه بأنه ارتكب أو حاول ارتكاب جريمة أو كان ذا علاقة بارتكاب جريمة من الجرائم التالية:

1 - التهريب.

2 - نقل بضائع مهربة أو حيازتها.

This is the official Arabic wording, the only legally binding version. We do not translate the law itself; the explanation below is ours. Official source: Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers

Article 128 explained in plain English

Practical example

Translated from our Arabic explanation with machine assistance. For guidance only; it does not replace advice from a lawyer on your situation.

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Frequently asked questions about Article 128 of the Saudi GCC Unified Customs Law

Is customs entitled to detain a person?

Customs employees may detain anyone they suspect of committing or attempting smuggling or of transporting or possessing smuggled goods, or of being connected with that.

Does possessing smuggled goods justify detention?

Yes. Transporting or possessing smuggled goods is among the offenses for which a person may be detained on suspicion.

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The texts are reproduced from the official website of the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers for reference; where they differ, the officially published Arabic text prevails. This content is not legal advice.