Arms and drug trafficking network: After a year and a half of operating an undercover agent - 15 defendants caught

The State Attorney's Office filed nine indictments today, Thursday, at the Be'er Sheva District Court against 15 defendants, charging them with arms trafficking, carrying weapons, and drug offenses. This follows a prolonged operation by an undercover agent deployed by the Israel Police.

According to the indictments filed by Adv. Hadas Amar of the Southern District Attorney's Office, the agent was deployed between January 2025 and June 2026 to collect evidence against suspects involved in the illegal trade of weaponry and drugs. As part of his activity, the agent established contact with the defendants, conducted negotiations, and carried out a series of controlled transactions.

The investigation reveals that the agent was sold Beretta, Glock, Taurus, and Star pistols. In addition, he was offered M-16 rifles, Kalashnikov rifles, explosive devices, and other weaponry. In some cases, the defendants sent the agent photos and videos of the weapons, coordinated transaction details, and handed over the items in exchange for tens of thousands of shekels.

For example, in one transaction, two Beretta pistols were sold for 44,000 shekels. In another, two Taurus pistols with accessories were sold for 42,000 shekels, while two Glock pistols were sold for 54,000 shekels. Prices for pistols generally ranged between 21,000 and 37,000 shekels. A Kalashnikov rifle was priced at about 35,000 shekels, while M-16 rifles were offered for between 45,000 and 95,000 shekels.

It is alleged that one defendant offered the agent a C4-type explosive device, operated by remote control or phone, for 5,000 shekels per kilogram. Other defendants offered pipe bombs and stun grenades.

Alongside weapons offenses, drug deals were exposed. Negotiations were conducted for cocaine at prices ranging from 120 to 190 shekels per gram. In one instance, a deal for 100 grams of cocaine was agreed upon. In another, a barter deal involved a buggy-type vehicle in exchange for a rifle and 150 grams of cocaine, though the deal was not fully completed.

In requests for detention until the end of proceedings, Adv. Amar noted that the defendants' actions demonstrate real danger and high accessibility to illegal weapon stockpiles. According to her, their method of operation indicates deep involvement in the world of illegal trade.

Defendants charged with weapons offenses include Zvi Weiss (29, Ein Yahav), Muhammad Abu Taha (28, Rahat), Gassan Abu Taha (25, Be'er Sheva), Amar Abu Hweidi Talalka (21, Misgav Shalom), Salah Khushiya (19, Jerusalem), Atef Ahbanian (21, Hura), Salah Ahbinian (23, Hura), Adir Hassan (25, Be'er Sheva), Itay Sankar (38, Arad), Ofek Maman (29, Dimona), and Talal Aluj (34, Janabib tribe).

Murad Aasam (35, Tel Sheva), Rashed Tarabin (26, Tarabin tribe), Yasser Al-Alawin Abu Rqaik (19, Tel Sheva), and Rami Khawajri (40, Be'er Sheva) are also charged with drug offenses.

In parallel, two additional indictments were filed at the Be'er Sheva Magistrate's Court against Tawfiq Odeh (40), Amir Odeh (30, Eilat), and Hassan Mahroum (42, Abu Snan) for drug offenses.

The investigation was conducted by the Etgar unit of Lahav 433 of the Israel Police.