Police Arrest Suspect in Jerusalem Baby Formula Sedative Poisoning Case

Israeli police have apprehended a suspect in the case of sedatives being mixed into baby formula sold in Jerusalem supermarkets. The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Yan Shamla from Beersheba, is expected to be indicted in the coming days. The investigation began in June after several infants were hospitalized with symptoms of benzodiazepine poisoning, believed to be linked to formula purchased in the capital's stores. According to investigators, Shamla allegedly purchased formula, added sleeping medication to it, and then returned the tampered products to store shelves. Police released surveillance footage they claim shows the moment before one of the packages was replaced. Detectives identified Shamla after reviewing hundreds of hours of security camera footage from various locations, eventually tracking his movements through undercover surveillance until sufficient evidence was gathered for his arrest in late August. The Shin Bet security agency also participated in the investigation. Prosecutors are expected to request an additional five-day detention period for the suspect before filing the indictment.