Israeli Police Arrest Dozens in Nationwide Weapons and Drugs Sting Led by Undercover Agent

Israeli police revealed new details about a large-scale operation conducted by the Lahav 433 unit on Sunday, which resulted in the arrest of dozens of suspects involved in illegal arms and drug trafficking. Central to the investigation was an undercover Bedouin agent known as "The Nomad," the first of his kind deployed by Lahav 433. Over an extended period, the agent infiltrated criminal networks, purchasing weapons and drugs while documenting transactions and implicating numerous suspects, including key crime figures.

During his undercover work, "The Nomad" conducted dozens of controlled buys, acquiring four M16 rifles, dozens of handguns, and about half a kilogram of cocaine, gathering critical evidence against those involved. Police described the operation as one of the most complex undercover missions in recent years, successfully penetrating crime hubs where arms dealers believed they were beyond law enforcement's reach.

Following the covert phase, hundreds of officers from various units, including Border Police, Yamam counterterrorism, and special forces, raided dozens of locations nationwide, including Rahat, Tel Sheva, Bir al-Saba, Arad, Dimona, Eilat, and East Jerusalem. The raids led to the detention of dozens of suspects, among them 20 major crime targets suspected of arms and drug trafficking.

Police Commissioner Major General Danny Levi emphasized that the case demonstrates there is no place where criminals can feel immune from Israeli police. He noted the operation thwarted arms and drug deals that could have cost lives. Lahav 433 commander Commissioner Meni Benyamin called the mission a significant intelligence and operational achievement, highlighting the undercover agent's role in exposing a broad criminal infrastructure and delivering a major blow to arms and drug traffickers across Israel.

The arrested suspects were scheduled to appear at the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court for detention extension requests as investigations continue.