Jerusalem police widen inquiry after sedatives found in Prינוק baby food

Jerusalem police have expanded an investigation opened Tuesday after two children were hospitalized following consumption of Prינוק fruit puree. District Commander Maj. Gen. Avshalom Peled held a special situation assessment, was briefed on the steps taken so far and on possible leads, and ordered further action to identify how the drugs were introduced into the product.

Because of the sensitivity of the case and the need for special investigative steps, the probe was transferred to the Zion Subdistrict’s serious crime unit in the Jerusalem District. Police investigators also seized all security cameras from the Zol VeGadol branches in Jerusalem where the purees were bought, and visited the two businesses that had been ordered closed by the Health Ministry to ensure those closures were being enforced.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Health Ministry confirmed laboratory testing found pharmaceutical substances in jars of Prינוק infant fruit puree sold at two Zol VeGadol stores. The substances identified were clonazepam and lorazepam, both anti-anxiety medications.

Police said they opened the case immediately after the children were admitted to hospital and it became known that sedative substances had been found in their blood. Officers are also checking whether the incident was carried out for nationalist motives. Investigators are awaiting the Health Ministry’s answer on where in the production and distribution chain the sedatives were added, whether at the factory, during transport, or inside the store branches themselves.