Three men were arrested on suspicion of importing drones from China for use in weapons and drugs smuggling on Wednesday after an extensive investigation uncovered the operation.
The Lahav 433 National Economic Crime Unit conducted the investigation in collaboration with the Tax Authority, Southern Regional Police Headquarters, Ben-Gurion Airport Customs, the Israel Prison Service's canine unit, and other law enforcement agencies. The investigation centered on a security company suspected of serving as a cover for the drone-importing operation, committing customs and Value Added Tax (VAT) violations, and transferring the drones to entities involved in smuggling operations in southern Israel.
The company's owner, an Ashkelon resident in his 30's, and two employees allegedly served as intermediaries and delivered the drones to individuals involved in smuggling weapons and guns. Over the course of the investigation, dozens of shipments of drones and drone equipment suspected to have been used as part of the smuggling operation were received by the company.