Israel reports surge in weapons, drug smuggling from Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli military and security sources reported on Saturday a sharp increase in weapons and drug smuggling operations across the border with Syria.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, military and security officials said that smugglers operating near the Syrian border fence have been using the Golan Heights as a route to transfer weapons into Israel.
The report noted that smuggling activity from Syria intensified after Israeli authorities tightened security and closed smuggling routes through Lebanon and Jordan.
Yedioth Ahronoth added that weapons trafficking from Syria has become highly profitable, with rifles reportedly selling for up to ten times their original value. The paper also cited cases in which armed Druze residents of the Golan Heights were seen returning from Syria carrying rifles and ammunition.
The report further stated that drones have become a preferred method of smuggling, allowing traffickers to move weapons and drugs without physically crossing the border or throwing bags over the fence.
The head of the Israel Police’s Border Crimes Unit said that while many smuggling attempts are intercepted by police and army patrols, some still succeed. Certain areas remain inadequately monitored and lack sufficient patrol coverage, he said.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli forces have detected over 1,400 smuggling attempts along the Jordanian border in the past three months alone, including operations involving weapons and narcotics.
The newspaper warned that the persistence of such smuggling activity could trigger security escalation if trafficking networks evolve into armed groups or militant fronts operating along Israel’s northern borders.