Suspect Arrested in 'Prinoq' Baby Food Poisoning Case

A 40-year-old man from southern Israel was arrested Tuesday and his detention extended by six days by a Jerusalem court, on suspicion of intentionally introducing sedatives into "Prinoq" baby food pouches. The pouches were discovered at a "Zol U'vGadol" supermarket branch in Jerusalem. Police are investigating the incident as a deliberate act of poisoning, with the suspect facing charges including the use of poison endangering life, theft, and negligent handling of medication. He was apprehended at his home, where a search was conducted. During questioning, he was shown video evidence and provided an initial statement. A psychiatric evaluation found him fit to stand trial. The court permitted the publication of his name, but a stay of execution was granted pending a potential appeal.

Investigators from the Law Enforcement and Crime Fighting Unit in the Jerusalem district made a breakthrough in identifying the suspect. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities seeking additional individuals involved and working to trace the origin of the sedatives and how they were inserted into the products. The case began when several infants were hospitalized suffering from exhaustion after consuming the baby food. Hospital staff raised the possibility of exposure to benzodiazepine-class substances.

Further investigation revealed five "Prinoq" pouches at the supermarket containing the sedatives clonazepam and lorazepam. It was also determined that the packaging containing the sedatives had been illegally opened before purchase. The suspect's attorney, Zacharia Shenkolovsky, stated that his client is dealing with complex mental health issues and is cooperating with investigators, emphasizing the need to protect his rights given his medical condition.