Jordanian MP arrested by Israel on suspicion of smuggling weapons - report

The Jordanian Foreign Ministry announced Sunday that it was following up on the arrest.

 Israeli soldiers stand near the entrance to Allenby Bridge, a crossing point between Jordan and the West Bank, March 10, 2014. (photo credit: RONEN ZVULUN/REUTERS)
Israeli soldiers stand near the entrance to Allenby Bridge, a crossing point between Jordan and the West Bank, March 10, 2014.
(photo credit: RONEN ZVULUN/REUTERS)

A Jordanian MP was arrested at the Allenby Crossing between Jordan and Israel by Israel Police, according to a news report on the Jordanian channel Al-Mamlaka, citing the Jordanian Foreign Ministry. By press time, the report had not been confirmed by Israeli officials.

According to the report, police arrested the man on suspicion of trying to smuggle gold and weapons. The customs officers, who are not supposed to inspect members of parliament, reportedly received intelligence information regarding the minister, who the Jordanian Ministry identified as MP Imad Adwan, and carried out an inspection as a result.

During the inspection, they reportedly uncovered evidence of an attempt to smuggle 100 kg. of gold, 12 long weapons, 12 ZIG pistols and 167 Glock pistols into Israel.

Jordanian MP Khalil Atieh called on the Israeli authorities to release him “immediately,” according to Maariv.

 Vehicles drive towards the Allenby Bridge Crossing July 9, 2009 (credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)
Vehicles drive towards the Allenby Bridge Crossing July 9, 2009 (credit: AMMAR AWAD/REUTERS)

The validity of the report has yet to be confirmed or denied by Israeli officials.

This is a developing story.