The Israel Police and the Israel Tax Authority have opened an investigation into two individuals suspected of smuggling some 80,000 packs of cigarettes, which were disguised as tissues, into Israel, the Israel Police announced on Wednesday.
The two suspects, 31 and 32 years old, reportedly smuggled the cigarettes from Dubai, evading taxes estimated at about NIS 20 million.
The men were apprehended following a prolonged undercover investigation conducted by the Ashdod Customs Unit and the Israel Police.
Suspects released under restrictive conditions
The suspects own an importing company, and the police were able to intercept the containers after they arrived at Ashdod port.
A raid was conducted at the location, and the suspects were arrested, the police added.
The two were brought before the Ashkelon Magistrate’s Court before being released under restrictive conditions.