Israeli authorities have dismantled an alleged cocaine and hard-drug trafficking network that supplied soldiers at IDF bases in northern Israel, while also filing indictments in connection with the theft of an M16 rifle that investigators say was transferred to criminals.

The joint investigation, conducted by the Israel Police’s Northern District Major Crimes Unit and the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division, began on June 20 after an M16 rifle was reported stolen from an IDF base in northern Israel.

Later that day, a 30-year-old IDF reservist NCO from Tiberias was arrested on suspicion of stealing the weapon from a soldier serving in his unit.

Investigators later arrested a 30-year-old resident of Kiryat Tivon, alleging he received the stolen rifle the night it was taken. Prosecutors have charged him with weapons trafficking, while the reservist faces charges of theft and weapons trafficking.

During the investigation, authorities say they uncovered an alleged cocaine and hard-drug distribution network operated by the Kiryat Tivon suspect and a 34-year-old resident of Tiberias.

Police allege that a significant portion of the narcotics was sold to soldiers stationed at military bases throughout northern Israel.

Investigators also questioned the brother of the reservist, an IDF major serving at a northern military base, on suspicion of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit a crime. Authorities further allege that the officer unlawfully distributed medical cannabis that had been legally prescribed to him. An indictment against the officer is expected to be filed at a later date.

The Northern District Prosecutor’s Office filed the weapons indictment against the Kiryat Tivon suspect, while the Military Prosecutor’s Office charged the reservist. Separately, the Israel Police prosecution filed drug trafficking charges against the 34-year-old Tiberias resident.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)