Massive Arms and Drug Cache Linked to Abu Latif Crime Family Seized
Translated & summarized from Makor Rishon by baba
Israeli police uncovered a large cache of weapons, explosives, and drugs suspected to belong to the Abu Latif crime organization in the Galilee. The seizure included 12 firearms, explosive devices, and over three kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated value in the millions of shekels. This operation is part of a broader police crackdown on the organization, which is suspected of extortion, money laundering, and manipulating public tenders. Investigators are working to identify those responsible for hiding the cache and link it to criminal activities.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Police seized 12 firearms, explosives, and over 3 kg of cocaine from a suspected Abu Latif crime organization stash.
- The cache was discovered in an open area above the village of Rama in the Galilee region.
- The estimated value of the seized weapons and drugs is in the millions of shekels.
- The discovery is part of an ongoing police effort against the prominent northern Israeli crime group.
- The Abu Latif organization is suspected of extortion, money laundering, and manipulating public tenders.
Israeli police, Border Police, and National Guard forces discovered a large cache of weapons and drugs in an open area above the village of Rama in the Galilee. Authorities suspect the stash belongs to the Abu Latif crime organization. The find included 12 firearms, explosive devices, dozens of detonator systems, a vehicle with forged license plates, and over three kilograms of suspected cocaine. The estimated value of the seized items is in the millions of shekels.
The operation was initiated following intelligence indicating that a mountainous area overlooking Rama was being used to hide weapons for the Abu Latif organization. After extensive searches, officers located the hidden cache. Among the weapons were eight rifles, including M16s, Kalashnikovs, and shotguns, as well as four handguns. Explosive charges, a standard IDF explosive charge, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, magazines, weapon parts, and body armor were also recovered.
Investigators are examining the seized items for fingerprints and genetic material to identify those responsible for hiding the cache. This seizure is part of an ongoing police effort against the Abu Latif organization, considered one of the most prominent crime groups in northern Israel. Recent investigations have expanded to include suspicions of the group's involvement in manipulating public tenders for government ministries and construction projects at IDF bases, allegedly through threats to contractors.
The fight against the organization has also involved the arrest of its alleged leader, Latif Abu Latif, and investigations into money laundering activities. A significant development in these investigations was the testimony of a state witness, known as "The Prince," who gathered evidence over more than a year, leading to numerous arrests. Indictments have been filed against members for extortion, violent offenses, and protection rackets. Police attribute extensive extortion of business owners and contractors in the north to the Abu Latif organization, employing threats and violence. The ongoing efforts include targeting individuals suspected of collecting protection money and conducting financial investigations to disrupt the group's funding.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 7Right 5Haredi 1Arab 2Other 1
