Gaza Strip: security services thwart drug smuggling attempt

The Palestinian Authority’s Interior and National Security Ministry announced on Monday that the security services have thwarted an attempt to smuggle 10kgs of marijuana into the besieged Gaza Strip from Israel, Anadolu has reported. The smuggling was planned to take place through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

The drugs were found in a container full of vehicle spare parts. As a result, said the ministry, security staff on the Palestinian side of the commercial goods crossing point have increased their level of alertness and inspection of goods passing through Kerem Shalom.

A suspect has been detained. He is said to have cooperated with smugglers in Israel.

It is known that Israel has been facilitating the smuggling of narcotics into the occupied Palestinian territories for many years. Security officers in Gaza have been carrying out a campaign against drug smugglers and dealers. Thirteen have been sentenced recently to lengthy prison terms, while one has been sentenced to death.

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