An Arab resident of eastern Jerusalem was apprehended at the Derech HaAvot Checkpoint in the Hebron district by security personnel with 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of gold bars valued at NIS 2 million.

The man, in his 20s, is registered working in interior design. He arrived at the checkpoint in a private car, a Ford, with yellow Israeli license plates. He was on his way back to Jerusalem.

When soldiers examined his vehicle that found the gold in parcels hidden in the driver’s side door. When questioned, he explained the gold is his. The security officers decided to turn him over to customs officials. He was unable to furnish any documentation for the gold or that he has paid tax on the gold.

He told customs agents he was bringing the gold to Jerusalem and then changed his story, telling him the gold is not his and he is heading to Ramallah, acting as a courier for a PA (Palestinian Authority) resident from Hebron who is a jewelry dealer.

Due to the lack of any documentation pertaining to the gold, it has been confiscated and customs officials are continuing their investigation.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photos: Medabrim Tikshoret)