Israeli Man Arrested for Half-Ton Cannabis Lab in Villa Amid Economic Struggles

A 57-year-old man from Yavne, David Khundiashvili, was indicted over the weekend after police raided a villa he rented in the Migdal colony, uncovering a cannabis lab containing approximately 423 kilograms of cannabis. The Northern District police found extensive cultivation equipment including fans, pumps, timers, water pumps, irrigation systems, and temperature meters, along with thousands of shekels in cash and documents. Khundiashvili remains in custody, and a judge ordered a detention report to be prepared during a court hearing on Tuesday.

According to the indictment, Khundiashvili illegally connected the villa to the electricity grid, bypassing the meter with a temporary cable, resulting in electricity theft valued at about 159,000 shekels. The Northern District Prosecutor's Office requested his detention until the conclusion of legal proceedings. His defense attorney, Yaron Forer, stated that Khundiashvili has taken full responsibility for his actions and suffers from a complex medical condition. Forer explained that Khundiashvili initially established a guesthouse complex at the location, but due to the war and economic difficulties, the business failed, leading him to set up the cannabis lab.

The Israel Police emphasized their ongoing commitment to combating drug-related crimes, highlighting the severe harm such illegal activities cause to youth who may fall into addiction and criminal behavior. Khundiashvili remains detained as investigations continue.