Article 134 of the Saudi GCC Unified Customs Law
المادة 134 من نظام قانون الجمارك الموحد لدول مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية · الفصل الثاني: محضر الضبط
Smuggled narcotics and similar substances, or those whose smuggling was attempted, are disposed of in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in the State.
Official text (Arabic)
This article has not been amended since the law was issued.
يتم التصرف في المواد المهربة أو التي شرع في تهريبها من نوع المخدرات، وما في حكمها، وفق الأنظمة والقوانين المعمول بها في الدولة .
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 134 explained in plain English
This article deals with smuggled narcotics and refers their disposal to the special laws.
Elements of the provision:
- Materials covered: materials that were smuggled, or whose smuggling was attempted, of the type of narcotics and the like.
- The rule: they are disposed of in accordance with the laws and regulations in force in the State.
What this means: the customs law does not lay down special rules for disposing of seized narcotics, but leaves that to other laws in each State, such as anti-narcotics laws. The article does not set out these rules or the penalties, so they cannot be inferred from this text.
Note that the provision covers materials whose smuggling was attempted, meaning an attempt is enough to bring the material within the article even if the smuggling was not completed.
Article 133 allows the customs department to seize the goods that are the subject of the violation or smuggling, what was used to conceal them, and the means of transport. Article 135 allows those who draw up the seizure report to seize goods and documents to prove violations and to secure duties and fines, and allows the Director General to obtain an order for precautionary attachment of violators' funds held by third parties. Narcotics cases are among the most serious, so a person facing an accusation in one needs a lawyer specializing in criminal cases immediately.
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 134 of the Saudi GCC Unified Customs Law
How are narcotics seized by customs disposed of?
In accordance with the laws and regulations in force in the State.
Does the provision cover attempted smuggling of narcotics?
Yes. It covers materials of the narcotics type and the like that were smuggled or whose smuggling was attempted.
More articles on Seizure Report and Customs Detention
- Article 126
Smuggling may be investigated and goods seized across the state in the land and maritime zones, customs offices, ports and airports, and outside the zones in continuous pursuit.
يجوز إجراء التحري عن التهريب وحجز البضائع وتحقيق المخالفات الجمركية بشأن جميع البضائع على امتداد أراضي الدولة في الحالات التالية: 1 - في النطاقين الجمركيين البر
- Article 128
Customs employees may detain anyone they suspect of committing, attempting or being connected with smuggling, or transporting or possessing smuggled goods.
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 - نق
- Article 129
A seizure report is drawn up for customs violations and smuggling offenses in accordance with the procedures set in this law.
يُحرر محضر الضبط لمخالفات وجرائم التهريب الجمركي وفق الأصول المحددة في هذا النظام "القانون ".
- Article 130
A seizure report is drawn up by at least two customs employees when the violation or smuggling offense is discovered, and one employee may draw it up where necessary.
ينظم محضر الضبط موظفان على الأقل من الجمارك حال اكتشاف المخالفة أو جريمة التهريب ، ويجوز عند الضرورة أن ينظم محضر الضبط موظف واحد .
- Article 131
The article lists ten items that must be stated in the seizure report, including the place, date, hour, names of the officers, violators, goods, facts, statements, reading of the report and handover.
يذكر في محضر الضبط ما يلي : 1 - مكان تنظيمه وتاريخه وساعته بالأحرف والأرقام . 2 - أسماء ضابطي الواقعة ومنظمي محضر الضبط وتوقيعهم وطبيعة أعمالهم . 3 - أسماء المخ
- Article 132
A seizure report drawn up under Articles 130 and 131 is evidence of the material facts its drafters personally observed unless the contrary is proven, and a formal deficiency does not invalidate it.
أ - يعد محضر الضبط المنظم وفق المادتين 130 - 131 من هذا النظام " القانون" حجة فيما يتعلق بالوقائع المادية التي عاينها منظموه بأنفسهم ما لم يثبت العكس . ب - لا ي
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.