AL-ARISH: Israel has handed over six Egyptian Bedouins suspected of drug trafficking to Egyptian authorities, a security official told AFP on Wednesday.
“The six had sneaked into Israel illegally about 10 days ago probably for drugs smuggling, the official said.
They were arrested once they arrived in Israel and spent several days in custody there before being handed over to Egypt through the Al-Oja border crossing (Nitzana in Hebrew), he said.
Three of the Bedouins will face a military trial, the official said, adding that the other three will face a regular trial because they are under 16 years of age.
The 250-km Egyptian-Israeli frontier has become a major transit route for migrants, asylum-seekers and drug smugglers.
Dozens of migrants have been arrested in recent months as Egyptian police try to halt the constant stream into Israel. Several have been killed while trying to make the crossing. -AFP