Jerusalem, 4 November, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Israeli customs officials on Wednesday uncovered one of the largest cigarette-smuggling operations ever detected in Israel, seizing at least eight containers filled with hundreds of thousands of cigarette cartons worth more than NIS 200 million ($55 million) at Ashdod Port.
The cigarettes arrived from Egypt in three shipments comprising 48 containers, all declared as wheat flour. Inspections revealed that some containers held smuggled cigarettes intended for sale in Israel without paying required taxes.
Authorities warned that the total haul could grow as inspections continue. The tax losses alone could reach tens of millions of shekels.
Tax Authority officials are also investigating suspicions that some cigarettes were destined for the Gaza Strip to facilitate money laundering and terror financing. The importer was arrested and remanded in custody. Investigators suspect additional parties were involved in the operation.
