Israeli Arrested in Bethlehem with Millions in Captagon Tablets Linked to Hamas

An Israeli man, 48, from the community of Segev Shalom, was apprehended in Bethlehem, Area A, carrying a substantial quantity of suspected narcotics, including over 170,000 Captagon tablets. Police stated that Captagon is a drug believed to have been used by Hamas terrorists during the October 7th massacre. Additionally, more than 17,000 Tramadol tablets were found in the suspect's possession. Israeli authorities estimate the street value of the seized substances to be over 10 million shekels.

The suspect was initially arrested by the Palestinian police in Bethlehem. Following the arrest, the commander of the Bethlehem district police liaison unit coordinated with Palestinian counterparts. After diplomatic and security arrangements, the suspect was handed over to Israeli officers at the Etzion station in the Judea region. Representatives from the IDF's Coordination and Liaison Administration (CLA) and the District Coordination Office (DCO) were also involved in the handover. The suspect, along with his vehicle and the seized drugs, was transferred to the Etzion station for further investigation.

He is being questioned regarding the drug possession and for illegally entering Area A. He is expected to be brought before a judge soon to request an extension of his detention.