Israel Police arrests two for cross-border smuggling in massive drug bust near Egyptian border

Israeli police have arrested two Bedouin cousins, aged 16 and 20, near the Egyptian border on suspicion of smuggling approximately 45 kilograms of drugs into the country using a drone. The suspects, from the Al-Azazma town in the Negev, are expected to be indicted not only for importing dangerous drugs and endangering human life but also under a new offense concerning the violation of state sovereignty at borders.

This new offense, carrying a penalty of up to nine years in prison, is intended to bolster enforcement against illegal cross-border smuggling. The arrests were made during a targeted operation by officers from the Southern Border Patrol Unit and its undercover unit, which focused on gangs utilizing drones for smuggling activities. Security forces utilized intelligence from both the police and the IDF to track a drone suspected of making multiple crossings between Israel and Egypt.

Following the drone's landing in Israeli territory, law enforcement identified individuals associated with operating it. Police observed the suspects removing items from a vehicle, which was subsequently seized and found to contain about 45 kilograms of hashish. The two suspects attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended shortly after.

Further investigation of the suspects' vehicle revealed a drone, its remote controls, and mobile phones. Evidence gathered indicated that the seized drone had allegedly completed several flights over the border on the day of the incident. Both suspects have been transferred to the Israel Police's Southern District Police Headquarters for further questioning.