Man to Be Charged with Tampering With Baby Food

A prosecutor is set to file charges today, Thursday, against Yan Shamla, a 41-year-old resident of Beersheba, who is suspected of introducing anesthetic substances into baby fruit purees at branches of the "Zol U'Vagadol" supermarket chain in Jerusalem. The police announced this, also releasing footage of Shamla in one of the stores. Concurrently, a request will be filed to extend his detention by an additional five days pending the indictment.

According to the police, the Shin Bet security agency was involved in the investigation. Investigators analyzed security footage from various locations, conducted further investigative actions, and employed advanced technological means. It was reported earlier this week by Kan News on Reshet Bet that Shamla had inserted anesthetic substances into the purees and returned them to the shelves, though the motive for his actions remains unclear. However, Kan News reported that suspicions of a nationalistic motive have weakened due to the suspect being Jewish.

Shamla was arrested last week on suspicion of intentionally poisoning baby and toddler food, using poison to endanger lives, theft, and negligent handling of medications. The arrest followed a breakthrough in the investigation of the case, which was first revealed by Kan News about two and a half months ago. The court permitted the publication of his name.

During a hearing on his detention extension, it was revealed that Shamla has a psychiatric background, and his lawyer claimed he suffers from bipolar disorder. According to the police, near the time of his arrest, the suspect was referred for examination at the "Eitanim" psychiatric hospital and was found fit for detention. The police also stated they had reported the contaminated "Prunok" purees to the Ministry of Health in May.