Three men arrested on suspicion of importing drones from China for use in drug, weapons smuggling

The investigation centered around a security company suspected of serving as a cover for the drone importing operation, committing customs and Value Added Tax violations.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of importing drones from China for use in weapons and drug 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.

Police raid company warehouse, confiscate drones

On Wednesday, police raided a warehouse owned by the company after it received a shipment containing dozens of drones. During the raid, the three suspects were arrested, and the shipment was seized.

The suspects are now being investigated for suspected offenses under the VAT Law and the Customs Ordinance, as well as suspected money laundering and criminal conspiracy.

On Thursday, courts granted a police request to extend the detention of two of the suspects until August 25. The court released the third suspect under restrictive conditions.

According to police, the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests related to the case are expected.