Israeli Police Arrest Three with Over 2 Kg of Cocaine After High-Speed Chase Near Kiryat Gat

Israeli police thwarted a drug distribution operation near Kiryat Gat on Monday night by arresting three 22-year-old men found with over 2 kilograms of suspected cocaine. The suspects, residents of the Bedouin diaspora and Tel Sheva, were stopped during a targeted police operation. When officers blocked their vehicle, the driver attempted to flee first by car, hitting another vehicle, then on foot. He was caught near Beit Kama junction after a brief chase.

A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 2.2 kilograms of cocaine in two blocks, around 14 grams of ecstasy, and five mobile phones. The two other suspects remained in the car and were also detained. All three were taken to Beersheba police station for questioning and subsequently imprisoned. They are expected to appear in court today, where police will request an extension of their detention.

This incident follows a similar drug chase in southern Israel in February, when police pursued a suspect on Highway 40 near Rahat. During that escape, the driver discarded three kilograms of cocaine before being stopped at a police roadblock near Lehavim. He was later indicted for drug possession and obstruction of justice.