Last update - 00:00 20/02/2007
21 nabbed in Ashkelon for drugs after 15-month undercover operation
By Mijal Grinberg, Haaretz Correspondent
A 15-month undercover police operation was hailed as a major success Tuesday, after an overnight raid in which 21 suspected drug-dealers from Ashkelon were arrested.
Large numbers of police from the Lachish District, headed by Commander Effi Mor, took part in operation "Wild Horse," and on Monday night raided the homes of the 21 suspects, arresting them in the process.
The suspects were to attend a remand hearing at Ashkelon Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, during which police were to seek indictments and ask that the detainees be held in custody until the end of any legal proceedings against them.
The undercover agent, 29-year-old Doron Koren from Ashkelon, posed as a municipal veterinary assistant and underwent training for this job. During his work, he won the confidence of the alleged drug dealers and became a member of their inner circle.
During the undercover operation, Koren witnessed dozens of drug deals carried out by the suspects, including transactions involving heroin, cocaine and hashish.
Initially the alleged dealers were suspicious that there was an undercover agent in their midst, and made Koren undergo a series of "tests." They became certain, however, that Koren was not a policeman and even apologized to him.
During his undercover stint, Koren witnessed 28 major drug deals, and had managed to secure 1,000 LSD tabs worth NIS 50,000 that he told the dealer he would pay him for on Tuesday. However, Koren failed to show up to hand over the money and instead dispatched a police team to arrest the dealer.
The commander of the Israel Police Southern District, Major General Uri Bar-Lev, on Tuesday praised Koren for his undercover work.
"To be a secret agent requires a special kind of personality and professional training, but above all, valor," Bar-Lev said.
Bar-Lev informed Koren that he will now become a policeman in the Lachish District and presented him with his certificate of appointment and a gun.
Lachish District Commander Mor also praised Koren for his work, which he said had undoubtedly sent major shockwaves through the criminal world.