Following an investigation – indictment against two suspects for smuggling approximately 45 kg of drugs via a drone that crossed the Egyptian border. On 11.6.26, a focused operational activity took place on the Egyptian border.

Subsequently, the drone was observed landing in Israeli territory, and simultaneously, the recipients of the drone were identified. From the moment of identification, the suspects, who were traveling in an operational vehicle, were monitored. During the surveillance, it was identified that at a certain point the suspects unloaded something from the vehicle, and subsequently, approximately 45 kg of dangerous drug, hashish, was seized by the forces. Simultaneously, a pursuit of the vehicle took place, during which the two suspects attempted to escape on foot, but were apprehended after a short chase by Border Police fighters. A search of the vehicle revealed a drone, drone control remotes, and mobile phones. From the investigation materials, it emerged that the seized drone had allegedly conducted several flights that day. The two suspects, cousins residing in the Al-Aza’zeh Bedouin settlement (16.5, 20 years old), were transferred for investigation at the Southern District Police, where they were also investigated for the new offense of violating state sovereignty at the border, according to Section 122A of the Penal Law, which falls under the chapter dealing with state security, foreign relations, and official secrets. This is a new offense intended to strengthen enforcement and punishment for cross-border smuggling not through an authorized crossing, and its penalty is up to nine years imprisonment, alongside other offenses including the import of dangerous drugs and endangering human life. Upon completion of the investigation, a statement of claim was filed against the two yesterday, and the prosecution is expected to file an indictment and a request for their detention until the end of legal proceedings tomorrow.