The Israel Tax Authority reported today that customs officers at the Allenby Crossing between Israel and Jordan had seized tens of kilograms of gold, hundreds of smartphones, and steroids, in the vehicle of a representative of the European Union.
The Tax Authority statement said that the vehicle was an SUV owned by the EU and used by a political adviser to the EU mission to the Middle East, who was detained for inspection when he crossed from Jordan to Israel in the vehicle with his driver, a resident of Atarot, in the north of Jerusalem.
The customs officers at first found several smartphones of different types in the car, and on further inspection found another 700 telephones and tens of kilograms of gold bars and jewelry thought to be made of pure gold. In addition, the officers found ampules of steroids the sale of which is illegal and which could pose a health risk. The value of the haul is estimated at about NIS 10 million.
When the search was finished the diplomat and the driver were immediately taken to the Customs and VAT Investigation Department in Jerusalem. The diplomat was released, while the driver was brought before the Jerusalem Magistrates Court and was remanded until Sunday.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 4, 2016
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