Israeli Reports: Increase in Weapons and Drug Smuggling from Syria to Israel

Israeli media reported on Saturday that security and military authorities have observed an increase in weapons and drug smuggling operations across the border with Syria in recent months.

The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted military and security sources as saying that smugglers are active in areas near the border fence in the Golan Heights, using them to transfer weapons into Israel. The report noted that smuggling activity has intensified following tighter surveillance along the borders with Lebanon and Jordan.

The newspaper added that weapons smuggling generates high profits, as rifles are sold at prices up to ten times their original value. It also mentioned that there have been recorded cases of individuals crossing from the Golan region who returned with rifles and ammunition from Syrian territory.

It further explained that drones have become an increasingly used method in smuggling operations to avoid checkpoints or to deliver items across the border.

The head of the Israeli Police Border Crime Unit said that the forces “succeed in thwarting many smuggling attempts, but not all of them,” adding that “some areas still require enhanced monitoring and patrols.”

According to the newspaper, more than 1,400 smuggling attempts across the Syrian and Jordanian borders have been recorded over the past three months, involving weapons and drugs. Israeli security officials have warned that some smuggling networks could evolve into armed groups if the phenomenon continues.