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Israel Police officers from Tel Aviv, including personnel from the elite Special Patrol Unit, have seized 42.5 kilograms of material suspected to be cannabis during a raid on an apartment in the city, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. Two individuals believed to be involved in drug dealing were arrested at the scene.
The operation took place in Kfar Shalem, a neighborhood in the southern part of Tel Aviv. According to police, the raid followed intelligence gathering and surveillance that pointed to the apartment being used as a storage and distribution point for illegal drugs.
Law enforcement officials said officers entered the apartment after obtaining the necessary legal approvals. Inside, they discovered dozens of packages containing plant-based material believed to be cannabis, carefully wrapped and concealed in different areas of the residence.
Police sources indicated that the quantity seized suggested the drugs were not intended for personal use. Investigators believe the stash was meant for distribution across Tel Aviv and possibly to other parts of central Israel through an established network.
The two suspects, whose identities were not released, were taken into custody for questioning. Police said they are expected to be brought before a magistrate’s court, where investigators will seek an extension of their detention as the probe continues.
“This was a focused and intelligence-led operation,” a police spokesperson said. “The seizure of such a significant amount of suspected cannabis prevents large quantities of drugs from reaching the streets and harming the public.”
Authorities noted that the Special Patrol Unit was involved due to concerns about potential resistance or security risks during the raid. The unit specializes in high-risk operations and provides rapid response support during complex law enforcement actions.
Residents of the area expressed shock at the discovery, saying the apartment appeared ordinary from the outside. Some locals said the incident highlighted growing concerns about criminal activity operating quietly within residential neighborhoods.
Police emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests have not been ruled out. Officers are examining digital devices, financial records, and other evidence seized from the apartment to identify possible accomplices or suppliers.
The seizure forms part of a broader effort by Israel Police to combat drug trafficking in urban centers. In recent months, Tel Aviv police have stepped up raids, checkpoints, and undercover operations targeting narcotics distribution.
Law enforcement officials say drug trafficking remains a major challenge, particularly in densely populated cities where residential properties can be used to conceal illegal activity. Police have urged the public to report suspicious behavior to help prevent such crimes.
The suspects will remain in custody pending further legal proceedings. If charged and convicted, they could face significant prison sentences under Israel’s strict narcotics laws, which carry heavy penalties for possession and distribution of large quantities of drugs.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members