IDF reservist indicted over stolen IDF rifle, drug ring that supplied soldiers

An Israeli military reservist and a civilian face charges for the theft of an M16 rifle from an IDF base in northern Israel, an incident that has also exposed a suspected drug trafficking network supplying soldiers. The joint investigation by Military Police and the Northern District Police began in June after the rifle was reported missing.

Authorities arrested a 30-year-old reservist noncommissioned officer on suspicion of stealing the weapon from a soldier in his unit. Investigators later uncovered evidence suggesting the rifle was transferred to criminal elements. A 30-year-old resident of Kiryat Tivon was arrested for allegedly receiving the stolen rifle.

During the investigation into the rifle theft, police discovered what they believe to be a drug ring operated by the Kiryat Tivon resident and a 34-year-old Tiberias resident. This network allegedly trafficked cocaine and other drugs over several months, with a significant portion supplied to soldiers on bases in northern Israel. The reservist's brother, an IDF major, is also under investigation for obstruction of justice and conspiracy, with suspicions he supplied medical cannabis to the other suspects.

Indictments have been filed against the Kiryat Tivon resident for trafficking the stolen weapon, and the reservist has been indicted for his alleged role in the theft and trafficking. Prosecutors are also set to indict the Tiberias resident on drug charges, while an indictment against the IDF major is anticipated later.