Two Pharmacists Arrested for Allegedly Trafficking IDF Soldier Medications

Two pharmacists employed by the Ministry of Defense have been arrested on suspicion of black market trafficking of tens of thousands of medications intended for IDF soldiers. The arrests were announced in a joint statement by the police, the Ministry of Defense, and the IDF on Monday. Additional suspects have been detained for questioning.

A covert investigation, conducted over recent months by the Major Crimes Unit of the Ministry of Defense's Investigation and Intelligence Unit (YAMAM) and the Military Police's Dan Region unit, with oversight from the Ministry of Health's enforcement division, uncovered the alleged scheme. The investigation focused on two veteran pharmacists, one of whom was the responsible pharmacist at the Glilot base, who worked as external suppliers for the Ministry of Defense.

Evidence suggests the pharmacists fraudulently obtained tens of thousands of medications, including prescription drugs, meant for soldiers. They are suspected of systematically selling these medications on the black market, accumulating tens of thousands of shekels. Following the transition of the investigation to a public phase, the two pharmacists were arrested at the Glilot base and brought in for questioning on charges including theft by an authorized person, aggravated receipt of goods, and negligence.

Their detention is expected to be extended by the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court. Concurrently, other suspects have been detained for questioning. The Military Police are investigating additional individuals for involvement in theft by an authorized person and aiding in aggravated fraud, along with other related offenses. The military prosecution is handling these cases.

The Ministry of Defense, IDF, and police emphasized that trafficking medications requiring a prescription and medical supervision poses a significant danger to public health.