Court Extends Detention of Suspect in Infant Formula Poisoning Case

A Jerusalem Magistrate's Court has extended the detention of a man in his 40s by six days as he is investigated for allegedly introducing sedative substances into infant formula. The suspect, a resident of southern Israel, was arrested a day prior, marking a significant development in the two-month-long investigation.

Investigators stated in court that the suspect is "deliberately involved" and "relatively close to the poisoning incident." The judge found "significant reasonable suspicion" for offenses including the use of poison to endanger life, negligent handling of medication, and theft, emphasizing the suspect's alleged "deliberate poisoning of food products for infants and toddlers" and the "obvious danger" involved. The judge cited the need for "dozens of investigative actions, including those prone to obstruction," to justify the continued detention.

The court also ordered a psychiatric evaluation for the suspect, following his lawyer's claim of bipolar disorder. However, an initial assessment found him fit for detention.

The case first came to light two months ago when four infants were hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem with unusual symptoms of drowsiness and weakness. Initial suspicions pointed to benzodiazepine poisoning.

Subsequent laboratory tests by the Ministry of Health confirmed the presence of clonazepam and lorazepam, potent benzodiazepine sedatives, in "Prinok" brand fruit purees purchased from "Zol U'Vagadol" supermarkets in Jerusalem. The ministry indicated that five products contained the sedatives and that the jars appeared to have been tampered with before purchase. Hundreds of products were sampled and tested as part of the investigation.

The police investigation is ongoing, focusing on tracing the source of the sedatives and how they were introduced into the products. Authorities are also exploring the possibility of additional individuals being involved.