Suspect Identified in Contamination of "Prinoq" Baby Food with Sedatives

A court on Wednesday authorized the publication of the name of the suspect in the alleged contamination of "Prinoq" baby food with sedative substances: Yan Shamla, a 40-year-old man from southern Israel. Shamla was arrested two days prior, and his detention was extended for an additional six days on Tuesday. Police are continuing their investigation and are seeking additional individuals involved.

During the hearing to extend Shamla's detention, the judge stated that the suspicion against him was "significantly" reasonable. Police are charging him with offenses including the use of poison endangering life, theft, and negligent handling of medication. His arrest followed a search of his home.

Shamla was presented with various video evidence during his police interrogation and provided an initial account. He underwent a psychiatric evaluation and was deemed fit to stand trial. The court initially permitted the publication of his name, but a stay of execution was granted at his lawyer's request to allow for an appeal to the District Court.

The investigation began after several infants were hospitalized with exhaustion following consumption of the baby food. Hospital staff raised the possibility that the infants had been exposed to benzodiazepine-class substances. During the investigation, five "Prinoq" pouches containing the drugs clonazepam and lorazepam were found at a "Zol u'Vagadol" store in Jerusalem. It was also discovered that the packaging containing the sedatives had been illegally opened before purchase.

Shamla's attorney, Zacharia Shankolovsky, stated, "This is an individual with mental health challenges, in a complex psychological state, who is cooperating with investigators. The investigation is in its early stages, and we expect it to proceed while safeguarding his rights, especially given his medical circumstances."