Israel Police said on Tuesday that they uncovered what they called "one of the largest" illegal drug operations ever caught in Israel.
Police said in a statement that a clandestine investigation that began several months ago led them to an underground compound in the central city of Rishon Lezion where the narcotics were being produced.
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Police officers walk through marijuana drug operation uncovered in Rishon Lezion
(Photo: Hagai Dekel)
Officers seized marijuana plants and equipment used for growing and manufacturing drugs worth an estimated NIS 15 million ($4.8 million).
Police arrested seven suspects — all in their 30s and from central Israel — who may face multiple drug trafficking and production charges.
Chief Superintendent Yaniv Wolowitz said he believed that organized crime gangs were behind the marijuana grow-up which he described as "one of the largest and most unique laboratories ever captured in Israel."
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Shaft leading to marijuana drug operation uncovered in Rishon Lezion
(Photo: Israel Police)
"This is an open area in the heart of Rishon Lezion, a seemingly innocent place, and the entire laboratory is located underground," Wolowiz said.
"You walk into a container, go downstairs and then discover a laboratory in which a lot of money has been invested. We have no doubt that criminal organizations are behind its financing. I have no doubt that this drug bust prevented large amounts of drugs from reaching the streets and being distributed at clubs and schools."