Shipment of knives, fireworks seized en route to east Jerusalem

A massive shipment of low-grade weapons bound for east Jerusalem was intercepted by Israeli authorities on Thursday at the Ashdod port. The shipment was addressed to the Beit Hanina neighborhood of east Jerusalem.

The recipients of the cargo, sent from China, claimed they were receiving a shipment of Christmas decorations, but inspection of two containers revealed something else entirely.

So far five residents of northern Israel have been arrested and two containers, filled with pyrotechnic devices, fireworks, commando knives, swords, brass knuckles, spikes and stun guns, have been confiscated.

Last week three residents of northern Israel arrived in Ashdod with power of attorney documents to release the containers from customs. The three arrived with two large moving trucks and took the containers to a warehouse in Afula, where they had intended to distribute their contents.

Jerusalem Police detectives intercepted the shipment before the three unloaded the wares and arrested the three men, the owner of the warehouse and a warehouse employee.

The remand of two of the suspects has been extended following further questioning. The detectives were said to be shocked by the amount of weapons they found. In an attempt to cover up the real cargo and fool customs, the containers did have some Christmas decorations inside.

Ashdod Port Customs Director Rafi Gabai praised the cooperation with the Jerusalem police force. "We have the tools to detect smuggling, even the cleverly hidden contraband. Customs agents will continue doing their work to combat smuggling."

Jerusalem District Police Commander Maj. Gen. Moshe Edri also commended law enforcement officials for their efforts. "These items have in the past resulted in wounded police officers, and interception is an important step in tackling riots and protecting residents and visitors of Jerusalem," he said.

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