[IsraelTimes] Soldiers sent to scene after surveillance identified the suspects trying to cross; authorities say illegal substances worth some $650,000
The Israeli military said Friday it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle drugs worth millions of shekels into Israel from Egypt.
The army said its surveillance had identified suspects on the border and troops had been sent to intercept them. The suspects fled and some 120 kilograms (265 pounds) of drugs were caught by soldiers, estimated to be worth some NIS 2 million ($650,000).
The drugs were handed over to police. Authorities did not say what type of drugs were seized.
Last month saw two similar drug smuggling busts on the border with Egypt.
The Israeli-Egyptian border has been used for years as a smuggling location, particularly for marijuana, but for other drugs as well.
The IDF recently updated its rules of engagement to allow soldiers to more easily open fire at suspected thieves and smugglers, in a bid to crack down on crime.
Under the IDF’s new open-fire regulations, troops are permitted to use deadly force in cases of thefts of weapons and ammunition from military bases, break-ins at bases and firing ranges, and smuggling attempts along the Israeli-Egyptian border, according to the military.
In the past, soldiers could only open fire in those circumstances if their lives were in immediate danger, a fact that was generally known by criminals.
Though the IDF is tasked with preventing smuggling along the Israeli-Egyptian border, the military typically strives to avoid direct confrontation with drug smugglers.
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