Three men arrested on suspicion of importing drones from China for use in drug, weapons smuggling

Three men were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of importing drones from China for use in drug and weapons smuggling, following an investigation by the Lahav 433 National Economic Crime Unit and other agencies. The investigation focused on a security company, owned by an Ashkelon resident in his 30s, suspected of acting as a front for the operation, committing customs and VAT violations, and supplying drones to smugglers in southern Israel. Police raided the company's warehouse, seizing a shipment of dozens of drones and arresting the three suspects. Two suspects remain in detention until August 25, while the third was released under restrictive conditions. Authorities anticipate further arrests as the investigation continues.