Indonesian Pilgrim's Suitcase Searched in Jeddah, Containing 100 Packs of Cigarettes

JEDDAH, KOMPAS.com - Officers at King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah discovered and confiscated 100 packs of cigarettes found inside the suitcase of an Indonesian pilgrim on Saturday (May 16, 2026) early morning.

The discovery was made when the pilgrim’s suitcase went through an X-ray scanner at the airport, prompting officers to inspect the luggage.

“Yes, one of the notable incidents last night, in the early hours of the morning, was a pilgrim’s suitcase being searched by customs officials due to prohibited items,” said Head of the Jeddah Pilgrimage Work Area (Daker) PPIH Saudi Arabia, Abdul Basir, in Jeddah on Sunday (May 17, 2026).

Abdul Bassir explained that, in principle, the Saudi Arabian government does not strictly prohibit pilgrims from bringing cigarettes.

However, the number of cigarettes brought by the pilgrim was quite large.

Ultimately, the suitcase was returned to the pilgrim, but not all of the cigarettes could be taken by the pilgrim.

“Last night, the pilgrim’s suitcase that was opened was returned to the pilgrim, and the pilgrim was still allowed to bring a maximum of two packs of cigarettes,” said Abdul.

“The cigarettes found in the suitcase have been confiscated by Saudi Arabian customs officials, and the matter has been resolved,” he added.

Abdul Basir also mentioned that such cases are not uncommon.

Previously, airport officials had also detained five kilograms of fried tempeh and dozens of packets of cooking spices from pilgrims from Indonesia.

All prospective pilgrims who have not yet departed have also been given a stern warning to be more careful and comply with the rules regarding baggage restrictions.

Bringing an excessive amount of luggage risks disrupting the smooth arrival process for pilgrims at the airport.

As of Sunday, 190 groups of pilgrims in the second wave have arrived through King Abdul Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The pilgrims will immediately proceed to Mecca to perform the obligatory Umrah pilgrimage and prepare for the peak of the Hajj, namely Wuquf in Arafat on May 26, 2026.

KOMPAS.com is committed to providing clear, trustworthy, and balanced facts. Support the sustainability of quality journalism and enjoy ad-free reading by joining KOMPAS.com Plus now.