Suspect Arrested in Baby Food Poisoning Case, Court Extends Detention

A court has extended the detention of a suspect in the case of sedative substances being deliberately added to baby food by six days. The suspect, a man in his 40s from southern Israel, was arrested at his home on Monday, where a search was conducted. During a court hearing, a representative from the Jerusalem District's crime-fighting unit stated that police believe the suspect was "deliberately involved and relatively close to the poisoning incident."

The judge determined that the investigation materials establish "significant reasonable suspicion for offenses of using poison to endanger life, negligent handling of medications, and theft." The judge further ruled that the suspect is "suspected of being involved in the deliberate poisoning of food products for infants and toddlers," adding that "the danger is self-evident." The judge noted that dozens of investigative actions are required, including those that could be compromised.

The suspect provided an initial account. A psychiatric evaluation at a hospital found him fit for detention, despite his lawyer's claim that the suspect suffers from bipolar disorder. The court ordered further psychiatric evaluations at the detention facility or by the district psychiatrist.

Earlier reports suggested a nationalist motive was less likely given the suspect is Jewish. The arrest followed a breakthrough by investigators who analyzed evidence to trace the source and method of the substances' introduction into the products. The case began in June when four children, including infants, were hospitalized with dizziness and fainting after consuming various baby food products from the company "Prinoch." Blood tests revealed traces of powerful sedatives and tranquilizers, prompting a joint criminal and epidemiological investigation by the police and the Ministry of Health.