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Two Israelis sentenced to death in Thailand

November 25, 2008

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Two Israelis convicted of drug trafficking were sentenced to death by a court in Thailand.

The men were caught with 23,000 Ecstasy pills a year ago during a drug bust coordinated with U.S. police in an area in Thailand popular with Israeli tourists. The drugs were destined for the United States and Italy, Thai police told The Jerusalem Post.

Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said Tuesday after the sentence was announced that she was considering intervening on behalf of the two Israelis if their sentence is not changed on appeal. Israelis sentenced to death in Thai courts in the past have had their sentences overturned on appeal, according to Livni's office.

Meanwhile, police in northern Israel arrested Israeli drug traffickers that smuggled billions of dollars worth of cocaine around the world. The arrests occurred three months ago but were announced Tuesday. The drug bust is said to be the biggest ever in Israel.
 

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