Two avreichim of Ponevezh Yeshiva were brought before a Jerusalem Magistrate Court on Monday, 17 Cheshvan 5774 after they were apprehended by customs inspectors in the airport smuggling cigarettes. According to customs officials, the two were trying to smuggle 3,500 packs of cigarettes from the Ukraine. The avreichim returned from the Ukraine on a flight from Kiev on Monday after visiting in Uman.

They attempted to pass through the Green Line with a large suitcase, stating they have nothing to declare. The bag was passed through x-ray and it was revealed that they were carrying 3,460 packs of cigarettes. Charges against them include trying to avoid paying 71,000 NIS in customs charges for the cigarettes.

Justice Tirtza Shacham-Keinan released the suspects with restrictions, bail of 1,500 NIS each and a third party guarantee of 5,000 NIS each. The court also issued a ban prohibiting them from leaving the country.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)