Three Suspected Dromi Associates Arrested in Ashkelon With Loaded Gun

Israeli police say three Ashkelon residents linked to the crime organization of Shalom Dromi were arrested after a chase and a search of their vehicle turned up a loaded handgun and other suspicious items. Investigators believe the operation may have prevented a planned criminal attack, though the intended target has not yet been identified.

According to police, detectives from the Lahav 433 investigative unit spotted a suspicious vehicle on Thursday and followed it covertly. During surveillance, they noticed behavior they considered suspicious and moved to stop the car for inspection. When the driver was instructed to pull over, the suspects reportedly tried to flee, but the detectives carried out an operational response and detained the vehicle.

The three suspects are Nahorai Mamo, Lior Elias, and Elias Solomon, all from Ashkelon. A search of the car found a loaded pistol with a round in the chamber, along with a helmet, gloves, change of clothes, and additional equipment now being examined as part of the investigation.

The suspects were taken to the Lachish Central Unit for questioning. A court in Ashkelon later extended their detention until Wednesday. Lachish district commander Lt. Col. Shahar Levi said the case was a deliberate, targeted operation meant to stop criminal harm before it happened, adding that the detectives' work led to the arrest and seizure of weapons and likely prevented possible injury.