IDF foils attempted drone smuggling into Gaza with military canines

Security guards and a K9 Unit at the Erez Crossing were responsible for catching the smuggling attempt.

 Drones seized by the Defense Ministry at the Erez crossing into Gaza (photo credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)
Drones seized by the Defense Ministry at the Erez crossing into Gaza
(photo credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)

Defense Ministry personnel on Wednesday thwarted an attempt to smuggle into Gaza 10 reconnaissance drones concealed within a black bag inside a minibus at the Erez crossing.

The ministry said the drones were intended for reconnaissance purposes by terror groups operating within the Gaza Strip.

During the inspection of the vehicle, a specially trained dog detected the suspicious package.

Dogs do not directly smell bombs or drones, but when trained, they can deconstruct the components of different kinds of odors that are contained in different kinds of mechanical devices.

The incident has been transferred to security forces for further investigation.

 Drones seized by the Defense Ministry at the Erez crossing into Gaza (credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)
Drones seized by the Defense Ministry at the Erez crossing into Gaza (credit: DEFENSE MINISTRY)

Smuggling under investigation

The statement did not yet name the culprit smugglers and it was unclear if security forces knew which of the minibus passengers was responsible.

A Defense Ministry spokesperson said they are searching for and intercepting such drone smugglings on an ongoing basis.