IDF foils $1.6 million drug-smuggling attempt along border with Egypt

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

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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.