Israel Police have successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle more than 100 pistols into the country at Ben-Gurion Airport. A suspect, a Netivot resident in his twenties, was arrested following the incident, which occurred earlier this week. He had arrived in Israel on a direct flight from Rome, Italy, operating with a foreign airline.
Upon his arrival, police detectives monitored the suspect closely, tracking his movements from passport control to luggage retrieval. This vigilance led to his detention by the Ben-Gurion Airport Police Unit 747. The pistols, which were disassembled and hidden in his luggage, have since been transferred to the Israel Police’s forensic identification laboratories for further investigation and evidence collection.
Smuggling attempts are regarded as serious offenses in Israel, with potential penalties of up to five years in prison. The police spokesperson emphasized the gravity of the situation, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities at the airport.
In a separate incident earlier this week, Unit 747 thwarted another smuggling attempt, this time involving drugs. The police confiscated materials valued at NIS 6 million and arrested a resident from Beit Shemesh in his thirties. He was attempting to bring 18 kg of the drug MDMA back to Israel from Prague.
The swift actions of Israel Police at Ben-Gurion Airport underscore their commitment to maintaining security and preventing illegal activities that threaten public safety. As authorities continue to monitor and address smuggling attempts, the collaboration between various law enforcement units remains critical in enhancing security measures at key entry points.
