Two Defense Ministry Contractors Arrested for Stealing Thousands of IDF Medications

Two veteran pharmacists, employed as external contractors by the Ministry of Defense, have been arrested at the Glilot base on suspicion of stealing tens of thousands of medications intended for Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers. The stolen pharmaceuticals include prescription drugs, which the suspects allegedly sold systematically on the black market, amassing tens of thousands of shekels. The arrests followed a covert investigation spanning several months, conducted by the Erezim Major Crimes Unit of the Israel Police, the Military Police Investigation Unit, and the Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Health.

According to investigation materials, the two pharmacists, one of whom was the responsible pharmacist at the Glilot base, are suspected of defrauding the Ministry of Defense and illicitly trading the medications. Authorities emphasized that some of the drugs involved require a prescription and medical supervision, and their unauthorized sale poses a significant public health risk.

As the investigation transitioned to its public phase, the pharmacists were apprehended and taken for questioning. They face charges including theft by an authorized person, obtaining property under aggravated circumstances, and reckless endangerment, among other offenses under the Pharmacists Ordinance. Several other individuals connected to the case have also been detained for questioning, with their cases being handled by the Military Prosecutor's Office.

The police are expected to request an extension of the two pharmacists' detention from the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court. The investigation into their involvement and that of the other suspects is ongoing.