More Suspects Arrested in Massive Cigarette Smuggling Bust at Ashdod Port
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Israeli authorities have arrested more suspects in connection with a massive cigarette smuggling operation at the Port of Ashdod. The foiled attempt involved eight containers falsely declared as wheat flour, containing cigarettes worth an estimated NIS 200 million. The arrests bring the total to four, with more expected as the investigation continues.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Additional suspects were arrested in a major cigarette smuggling bust at Ashdod Port.
- The foiled smuggling attempt involved eight containers valued at NIS 200 million.
- The containers were falsely declared as containing wheat flour from Egypt.
- The arrests follow two initial apprehensions made last week.
- Authorities expect further arrests in the ongoing investigation.
Investigators from the Coastal District of the Israel Police's Major Crimes Unit and the Customs' Drugs and Smuggling Unit have apprehended additional suspects in connection with a massive cigarette smuggling attempt that was foiled last week at the Port of Ashdod. This operation represents one of the largest tobacco smuggling attempts ever uncovered in Israel. The scheme involved an attempt to import eight containers filled with thousands of cartons of cigarettes, valued at approximately NIS 200 million, while evading taxes. The import declarations falsely claimed the containers held wheat flour originating from Egypt. These new arrests follow the apprehension of two suspects last week when the smuggling was initially thwarted. Both the police and the Tax Authority stated that the joint investigation is ongoing and that further arrests of individuals involved in the smuggling network are anticipated.
