Illegal drug trade in Israel
The illegal drug trade in Israel encompasses all the trafficking of illicit substances within the country of Israel. While many drugs are sold and dealt in Israel, Israel is not a major hub for drug traffickers, nor is it a major hotspot for the purchase, transportation, or sale of drugs by consumers.[1] Although Israel as a country does not experience overall high levels of drug trafficking, volume has increased in recent years and 2022 saw a record high number of drug flow through the country.[2]
International trafficking
[edit]Drug smugglers commonly attempt to transport illegal substances through Israel's southern border with Egypt between the Sinai and Negev Desert. Hundreds of attempted border crossings occur each year, and Israel has placed a significant police and military presence at the border to combat a growing number of trafficking attempts. 2022 saw a record low $85 million of drugs smuggled into Israel.[3]
The Jordanian border has become a popular location for attempted smuggling of cocaine and hashish since the end of the Second Lebanon War in 2006.[4]
Similar to many other developed countries, Fentanyl smuggling is becoming a larger problem in Israel as citizens become addicted to perscription painkillers. A 2020 study asserted that Israel had the largest Fentanyl abuse rate per capita out of any country in the world.[5]
Legislation
[edit]Israel does not currently promote the use or sale of any illegal drugs, and cannabis is not legal for recreational use but this is being reviewed. The Israeli government, through the Israel Anti-Drug Authority, has developed and supported a number of programs domestically to prevent and combat drug trade and use, including amongst youth.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ Department Of State. The Office of Electronic Information, Bureau of Public Affairs (2007-01-17). "International Narcotics Control Strategy Report -- Volume I: Drug and Chemical Report". 2001-2009.state.gov. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "Drug Smuggling Into Israel Is at an All-time High. Good News for Terrorists". Haaretz. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ Ahronheim, Anna (2022-08-05). "Israel's war on smuggling: Bringing order to the Wild South". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ "Regional Report on the Near East". Council of the European Union. 2014-12-17. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ Ghert-Zand, Renee (2023-04-30). "Now world's no. 1 opioid consumer per capita, Israel faces addiction epidemic". Times of Israel. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
- ^ Geller, Yair (March 2014). "Commission on Narcotic Drugs - Item 4: General debate of the high-level segment". United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Retrieved 2023-12-18.
