Attempted Drug Smuggling From Thailand Foiled, Abu Ghosh Resident Arrested

Authorities have arrested a resident of Abu Ghosh, Israel, for attempting to smuggle over 2 kilograms of MDMB, a synthetic drug, from Thailand. The drugs were concealed within bottles containing liquid for printer ink, according to a joint statement from the Tax Authority and the Police on Sunday. Customs investigators at Ben Gurion Airport's drug unit became suspicious of the shipment during a targeted enforcement operation. Initial tests indicated the bottles contained synthetic drugs, and the shipment was destined for the Abu Ghosh resident.

As the investigation progressed, police detectives tracked the package to the Yad Binyamin area. The suspect was apprehended when he arrived to collect the parcel. The seized substance was transferred to the police for further examination. During questioning, the suspect claimed he was unaware the shipment contained drugs, stating a relative in Thailand had asked him to collect the package.

The suspect was brought before a judge for an extension of his detention, and the investigation is ongoing. Separately, Cypriot police announced last week the arrest of two Israeli and two Palestinian individuals in Limassol, Cyprus. Authorities seized over 126 kilograms of ketamine, along with quantities of cocaine, mephedrone, and MDMA from the group. Investigators believe these individuals were part of an organized network smuggling drugs from Israel to Cyprus using luxury yachts docked in Limassol and Larnaca marinas. The drugs were allegedly hidden in paint containers.