Four Arrested for Stealing Thousands of Contraband Cigarette Cartons from Israeli Customs Warehouse

Four suspects were arrested on Monday morning following a covert investigation into the theft of over 2,000 cartons of contraband cigarettes from a private warehouse under customs supervision in southern Israel. The joint investigation involved the Central Unit of the Lachish region and the drug and customs enforcement unit at Ashdod Customs. The warehouse, located in the Israel Ports Park industrial area near Ashdod, stored confiscated contraband cigarettes pending destruction. The stolen cigarettes, valued at approximately 26 million shekels in unpaid taxes, were taken last month with the assistance of an insider employee who helped load the goods onto trucks entering the facility.

The cigarettes had been seized during a prior investigation by the Lachish District Police and Ashdod Customs and were awaiting destruction. The suspects, all residents of Ashdod, remain in custody for further questioning. They are expected to appear today at the Ashkelon Magistrate's Court for a hearing to extend their detention. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to examine the extent of the theft and the involvement of the warehouse staff.