Israeli authorities foiled a $2.5 million cigarette smuggling attempt off Ashdod, seizing 4,000 packs and arresting two Azerbaijani crew members.
Jerusalem, 1 June, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli Authorities foiled a cigarette smuggling attempt worth about NIS 7 million ($2.5 million) in an overnight operation off Ashdod, the Israel Tax Authority said. Suspects allegedly transferred about 4,000 packs from a merchant vessel to a speedboat and discarded evidence at sea. Officers located and seized the goods and later intercepted the ship, recovering additional contraband.
Two Azerbaijani crew members were arrested for questioning.
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