Customs agents operating alongside IDF soldiers at the Rosh Hanikra Crossing from Lebanon to Israel foiled cigarette smuggling involving thousands of packs of cigarettes by United Nations troops in the area. They prevented the smuggling of 20,000 packs of cigarettes at a total value of NIS 500,000.

The head customs agent at the crossing, Ofer Zilberman, explained “this was a most serious incident during which UN vehicles were used for smuggling”.

The story began when four UN vehicles passing through the Rosh Hanikra Crossing, including four UN soldiers, arousing the suspicion of the customs inspectors. At the insistence of the customs inspectors, demanding to examine the vehicle, which the officials insisted may not be checked, led to the discovery of the hidden cargo.

It is noted that the Customs Administration receives full cooperation from the UN force, which acts immediately to expel the soldiers involved as well as continuing legal proceedings against them. The investigation into the incident continues.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)