IDF foils $1.6 million drug-smuggling attempt along border with Egypt
More than 300 kilograms of marijuana flowers and hashish seized; no arrests made
Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Israeli troops foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs into Israel from Egypt on Thursday morning, the military said.
According to the Israel Defense Forces, soldiers monitoring surveillance cameras spotted the alleged drug smuggling attempt and dispatched troops to the scene.
More than 300 kilograms (660 pounds) of marijuana flowers and hashish, estimated to be worth NIS 5 million ($1.6 million), were seized, according to the IDF.
Suspects from the Egyptian side tossed the drugs over the fence, apparently for accomplices on the Israeli side to pick them up.
No arrests were made.
Last week, Israeli troops shot a suspected Israeli smuggler and lightly injured him during a similar attempt. Several deadly encounters between Israeli troops and drug smugglers occurred earlier this year.
Related: Turning to crime-fighting, IDF steps up efforts against drug running from Sinai
תפיסת הסמים על הגדר בגבול מצרים בידי לוחמי גדוד 402, רשף, של התותחנים. pic.twitter.com/cbD8TTUk5w
— Or Heller אור הלר (@OrHeller) November 11, 2021
Though the IDF is tasked with preventing smuggling along the Israeli-Egyptian border, the military typically strives to avoid direct confrontation with Israeli drug smugglers, leaving that to the police.
Judah Ari Gross contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.