First Arrest in "Prinuk" Baby Food Poisoning Case

Police have arrested a man in his 40s in southern Israel in connection with the poisoning of "Prinuk" brand fruit purees, which were sold at "Zol u'Vagadol" chain stores in Jerusalem. The suspect was apprehended at his home by investigators from the Unit for the Fight Against Crime and is being questioned. He is expected to appear in Jerusalem Magistrate's Court on Monday, where police will request an extension of his detention.

The investigation began two months ago when three infants from the Jerusalem area were hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center exhibiting severe weakness and apathy. Blood tests revealed the presence of benzodiazepines, sedative and tranquilizing chemicals found in adult medications like Valium and Klonopin, in their systems. The infants had consumed various "Prinuk" brand fruit purees purchased from "Zol u'Vagadol" stores in the capital.

Following their recovery and discharge, further testing confirmed the presence of these sedative substances in additional "Prinuk" baby food jars. Police are continuing to analyze evidence to determine the source of the sedatives and how they were introduced into the products. Authorities are also investigating the possibility of additional accomplices and the mechanism used to contaminate the food.

The arrested man is suspected of introducing the sedative and tranquilizing substances into the fruit purees. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full scope of the operation and identify all individuals involved.