Undercover Police Operation Leads to 24 Arrests and Weapons Seizure
A six-month undercover police operation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank led to the arrest of 24 suspects and the seizure of weapons, drugs, and counterfeit cash.
A covert operation by the Jerusalem District Police has led to the arrest of 24 suspects from East Jerusalem and the West Bank after an undercover agent infiltrated local criminal networks. Over the course of more than six months, the agent—identified by the pseudonym "Tequila"—purchased 16 firearms, including three M-16 rifles, a submachine gun, and 12 handguns, along with large quantities of ecstasy and counterfeit money.
Operation Details and Arrests
The covert phase culminated in a large-scale wave of arrests involving Jerusalem district police, Yamar detectives, Border Police, and IDF forces from the Etzion and Binyamin brigades. According to police officials, the operation aimed to dismantle illegal weapon supply chains and prevent lethal arms from reaching criminal and terrorist elements.
"The acquisition of weapons, the arrest of dozens of arms dealers, and the disruption of supply chains are a critical pillar in bolstering sovereignty and governance in Israel's capital," said Police Commissioner Inspector-General Dani Levy.
Impact on Local Crime
Jerusalem District Commander Avi Edri described the operation as an "earthquake in the local criminal underworld of East Jerusalem." The seized counterfeit currency and narcotics were reportedly slated for distribution primarily in the Jerusalem area as police continue their investigation to bring all suspects to justice.
