Saudi Customs Seizes 100 Cartons of Cigarettes from Indonesian Hajj Pilgrim's Luggage

Customs officers at King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Jeddah, have seized 98 cartons of cigarettes out of 100 cartons found inside the luggage of an Indonesian Hajj pilgrim. “The cigarettes found in the suitcase have been confiscated by Saudi Arabian Customs, and the matter has been resolved,” stated Abdul Basir, Head of the Working Area for the Indonesian Hajj Organising Committee (PPIH) in Jeddah, on Sunday (17/05/2026).

The incident occurred on Saturday (16/05/2026), when the large quantity of cigarettes was detected via airport x-ray scanners, prompting officers to inspect the contents. Consequently, carrying large quantities of cigarettes will continue to be intercepted by Customs, with items returned only in quantities that comply with Saudi Arabian regulations.

“Last night, the pilgrim’s suitcase was returned to them, and the pilgrim remains entitled to carry a maximum limit of two cartons of cigarettes,” said Abdul. Previously, Saudi airport officials also detained five kilograms of ‘tempe orek’ and dozens of packets of kitchen seasonings brought by a pilgrim from Indonesia. In response to this incident, the PPIH Saudi Arabia is coordinating with embarkation officers from the pilgrim’s home region to evaluate pre-departure inspection procedures. All prospective Hajj pilgrims who have not yet departed have been issued a stern warning to be more diligent and to obey goods restriction regulations.