Gan Yavne Police Seize Weapons Cache and Drugs, Detain Three Suspects
Police in Gan Yavne arrested three family members after uncovering an extensive cache of weapons, drugs, and counterfeiting equipment at their home, leading an Ashkelon court to extend their detention.
Police in Gan Yavne arrested three family members, including a 27-year-old mother of four, following the discovery of a substantial cache of weapons, drugs, and counterfeiting equipment at their residence. The Magistrate's Court in Ashkelon extended the detention of the suspects—the woman, a 23-year-old young man, and a 30-year-old man—until Tuesday.
The investigation culminated in a planned police raid after officers obtained a search warrant. During the meticulous search of the property, law enforcement uncovered numerous firearms and weapon components, including M16 rifles and parts, Glock pistols, magazines, ammunition, airsoft and starter pistols, sniper rifle rounds, masks, clubs, and machetes. Additionally, officers seized 70 grams of cocaine and hashish, alongside a machine for minting counterfeit coins and associated blanks.
Court Proceedings and Defense Arguments
During the remand hearing, police representative First Sergeant Manny Hadad stated that the weapons were found concealed throughout the property. The 27-year-old suspect's defense attorney, Adv. Ehud Ben Yehuda, questioned the direct evidence linking his client to the seized items, arguing that she lacked a criminal record and was unaware of the illicit materials in the house. Addressing Judge Chen Ben-Haim, the mother pleaded for release, emphasizing her family situation:
"I cannot leave them alone. I would appreciate any consideration, even house arrest. I have no part in this and no criminal record."
Judge Ben-Haim ruled that the investigative materials, including a classified report, established reasonable suspicion and a risk of witness tampering. Citing Section 144(a) of the Penal Law, the judge noted that a property holder is presumed to possess weapons found on the premises until proven otherwise, ordering all three suspects held in custody pending further investigation.
