Tue Sep 17 07:13:46 UTC 2024: ## Police Bust Million-Shekel Drug Lab in Negev Tunnel, Part of Nationwide Crackdown

**Arad, Israel** – Police have uncovered a sophisticated underground cannabis lab in a tunnel near the Arad Bedouin towns in the Negev, seizing drugs with an estimated value of over one million NIS. The lab, discovered over the weekend, contained over 600 cannabis plants weighing approximately 140 kilograms, along with specialized equipment for production and cultivation.

This discovery is part of a nationwide police operation, dubbed “Emergency Halt,” which aims to combat violence and serious crime, particularly targeting crime families and economic infrastructure. The operation, directed by Police Commissioner Dani Levi, has seen heightened police action, including arrests, searches, and the confiscation of illegal weapons and funds.

Since the operation began in early August, police have confiscated 268 dangerous combat equipment, conducted over 1,200 searches, and made over 1,500 arrests related to violence, illegal arms possession, and drug offenses. Notable seizures include nearly 200 firearms, 80 grenades, over 10.5 million NIS, and half a million Dinar.

In addition to the drug lab bust, other significant operations within “Emergency Halt” include:

* **Rahat:** Arrest of a suspect with an M16 rifle, confiscation of one million NIS worth of gold bars and jewelry linked to money laundering, and over 100 traffic tickets issued to ensure road safety.
* **Beersheba:** Arrest of a crime syndicate responsible for multiple break-ins and vehicle thefts, recovery of stolen vehicles, and the shutdown of two unlicensed businesses associated with the syndicate.

Police have emphasized their commitment to combating crime in the Arab sector and have reiterated that “Emergency Halt” will continue without a set deadline. Further investigative actions will be taken to identify and arrest the suspects involved in the Negev cannabis lab.

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