New Smuggling Method Using Weather Balloons Bypasses Jordan Border Security
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Israeli security forces have identified a new smuggling method using weather balloons along the Jordan border to transport drugs and occasionally weapons. These balloons are difficult to detect due to their silence and lack of electronic signature, with smuggling attempts occurring almost nightly. While primarily used to send drugs from Israel to Jordan, the method is also used to bring weapons into Israel. Seized drugs were handed over to the police.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- A new smuggling method using weather balloons has been discovered along the Jordan border.
- The balloons are silent and lack electronic signatures, making them hard to detect.
- Smuggling attempts occur nearly every night, mainly from Israel to Jordan.
- Weapons and ammunition are also occasionally smuggled into Israel using this method.
- Security forces seized drugs transported by balloon and transferred them to the police.
Security forces have uncovered a novel smuggling technique along the Jordan border, utilizing weather balloons to transport illicit goods, primarily drugs, across the frontier. Unlike drones, these balloons are silent and lack an electronic signature, making them exceedingly difficult to detect in flight. Security officials report that these smuggling attempts occur nearly every night, predominantly from Israel into Jordan due to prevailing wind patterns. However, the method is also employed in the reverse direction, with weapons and ammunition occasionally being smuggled into Israel for criminal elements. "We see this almost every night," a security source in the Arava region told Maariv. "Due to the high demand for drugs from east of Israel, the smuggling is done in that direction. However, sometimes balloons carrying cargo like weapons, ammunition, and the like arrive here. The balloons fly quite high, making them hard to detect while airborne." Drugs seized by an IDF patrol were transferred to the police.