Palestinian Authority cracks down on drug, arms traffickers in West Bank
The Palestinian security services increased their operations against arms and drug traffickers in the West Bank in light of the high level of armed crimes and killings.
RAMALLAH, West Bank — Palestinian security services intensified in early September their security operations in the West Bank in pursuit of arms and drug traffickers and individuals who have used arms during family quarrels.
These security operations, which include raids, incursions and ambushes, come in response to the presidential decree issued by President Mahmoud Abbas on Sept. 1 amending the Firearms and Ammunition Law No. 2 of 1998, to increase prison terms and financial fines imposed on crimes related to the possession, use, trafficking in, manufacturing and smuggling of firearms in violation of the law.
Louay Arziqat, a spokesman for the Palestinian police, told Al-Monitor that Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh have issued clear instructions to the security establishment to pursue arms dealers and perpetrators of crimes.
He added that the security services have begun to tighten measures, and in the coming days strict measures will be adopted to control weapons and arrest traffickers and users.
