A joint Shin Bet and police investigation has arrested a senior figure involved in operating the drone smuggling route from Egypt, according to Israeli security sources. The suspect is accused of playing a key role in the network that smuggles weapons and contraband via drones across the border.
A joint Shin Bet and Israel Police investigation has resulted in the arrest of a senior figure involved in operating the drone smuggling route from Egypt, according to Israeli security sources. The suspect is accused of playing a key role in the network that smuggles weapons and contraband via drones across the border.
The arrest follows a series of recent incidents involving drones used for smuggling from Egypt into Israel. In late June, police and a canine unit seized a drone, operation equipment, and roughly 16 kg of suspected cocaine, hashish, and cannabis in a targeted operation, as The Zioneer reported. That seizure was valued at millions of shekels.
Earlier in June, journalist Chaim Cohen reported that a 'watertight solution' to the drone issue was imminent after a meeting with a senior figure, though no details on the mechanism or timetable were disclosed. The current arrest appears to be part of a broader effort by Israeli security forces to dismantle the smuggling networks operating along the Egyptian border.
No further details on the suspect's identity or the specific charges have been released. The investigation is ongoing.
2 developments
- DevelopingIndictment filed against Bedouin suspect for smuggling weapons from Egypt via drone
- StrongIsraeli police charge two Bedouin drone smugglers under new sovereignty law
- StrongChannel 14 reports Iran-to-Gaza weapons smuggling route via Bedouin drones
- DevelopingVideo shows smugglers moving weapons from Egypt into the Negev; Ayelet Lash calls for action
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