Border Police officers and undercover officers have arrested three individuals suspected of organizing transportation for illegal infiltrators, a police statement said.

An investigation conducted by the central unit of the Border Police Center [District] led to an operation by unit detectives and undercover police officers from the tactical brigade.

A report was received earlier this week regarding a bus making its way from the direction of Judea and Samaria towards central Israel by means of the Rantis Crossing was found to have a homemade hiding place under its floor.

Border Police forces prepared for the bus' arrival, and stopped it as it traveled on Israel's Route 444.

In an inspection by Border Police forces, 17 illegal infiltrators were discovered, and the bus driver - a resident of Kafr Qassem - was found to be unlicensed. A further search by the Border Police officers revealed a homemade hiding place which apparently served the organizers in hiding the illegal infiltrators as they crossed through the checkpoints.

The hiding place was found on the floor of the bus, and upon opening it, the officers discovered steps and a room, in which it is suspected that the infiltrators hid.

At the same time, Border Police forces arrested another two individuals suspected of organizing the transportation.

All of the suspects and findings have been taken for investigation and interrogation by the central Border Police unit.

Two of the illegal infiltrators were arrested and jailed, and indictments have been filed against them for previous crimes. The suspects' arrest was extended Monday until September 19.

The suspicious bus
The suspicious busIsrael Police spokesperson
The hiding place under the bus floor
The hiding place under the bus floorIsrael Police spokesperson
The hiding place under the bus floor
The hiding place under the bus floorIsrael Police spokesperson