Israeli police and Israel Prison Service investigators uncovered a drone loaded with an explosive block, a mobile phone, and live ammunition after a joint operation in the Negev Bedouin town of Segev Shalom Wednesday, in what authorities are calling a foiled weapons smuggling attempt using an unmanned aerial vehicle.
The operation was carried out jointly by officers from the Segev Shalom police station, investigators from the Israel Prison Service's southern detective unit, National Guard fighters, and the Southern Bomb Disposal unit. Acting on targeted intelligence, the forces conducted a sweep of an open area within the town, where they located the drone concealed inside a vehicle. A thorough inspection of the rear section of the aircraft revealed the explosive block, mobile phone, and ammunition hidden inside.
Upon discovery, forces immediately sealed off the scene and called in a police bomb disposal expert, who safely neutralized the explosive block and the ammunition. The materials were then transferred to the Segev Shalom police station for further processing and investigation. Police have opened a comprehensive investigation to identify those behind the smuggling attempt.
Segev Shalom police station commander, Superintendent Eli Cohen, underscored the severity of the find: "The discovery of a drone carrying combat materials and an explosive block reflects the danger facing the public and the critical importance of our operational activity in cooperation with all forces. We will continue to act with determination, together with all relevant units and agencies, to locate and neutralize combat materials and bring those involved to justice, for the security of residents and the preservation of public order."
Israel Prison Service Southern Detective Unit commander, Brigadier General Yossi Doron, added: "Once again, combined operational activity has led to the foiling of criminal terror. The Prison Service, in line with the commissioner's policy, will continue to operate inside and outside prison walls for the safety and security of the public, as required."
The incident is the latest in a growing pattern of drone-based weapons and narcotics smuggling attempts targeting prison facilities and surrounding areas in the south. Months ago, a separate operation at Tzalmon Prison uncovered suspected drugs sewn inside clothing brought to an inmate, exposing the increasingly sophisticated methods being used to circumvent security.
Segev Shalom has a documented history of security challenges and has required sustained elevated police presence following serious violence in the area in recent years.
