Indictment Filed Against Suspect in 'Pruno' Baby Food Contamination Case
An indictment is set to be filed today against Yan Shamla, a 40-year-old man from southern Israel, suspected of introducing anesthetic substances into "Pruno" baby food pouches. Shamla was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of tampering with the baby food, which was discovered at a "Zol U'Begal" supermarket branch in Jerusalem.
During his police investigation, Shamla was presented with various video evidence and provided his account. He underwent a psychiatric evaluation and was deemed fit to stand trial. The investigation into the matter began after several infants were hospitalized suffering from exhaustion after consuming the baby food. Hospital staff raised the possibility that the infants had been exposed to benzodiazepine-class substances.
During the investigation, five "Pruno" pouches containing the drugs clonazepam and lorazepam were found at the Jerusalem supermarket. It was also determined that the packaging containing the anesthetic substances had been illegally opened before purchase. The Shin Bet security agency has concluded its involvement in the investigation, and an initial suspicion of Iranian involvement has been ruled out.