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Last update - 15:47 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. Advertisement 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. Bookmark to del.icio.us   It's a killer B'Tselem slams IDF decision not to indict troops over errant strike that left 21 civilians dead. Reaching boiling point Gaza residents are told to boil drinking water as purifying chlorine runs out.   1.   Haaretz in bed with Russian Mafia in Ashkelon 14:35  |  Yacov 20/02/07   2.   Haaretz: Your article will be given to Shin Bet 15:02  |  Yacov 20/02/07   3.   Haaretz: Why didn`t you publish drug dealers` names? 15:04  |  Yacov 20/02/07   4.   Who took the pay-off at Haaretz? Burston, Levy, Hass? 15:05  |  Yacov 20/02/07   5.   What Ashkelon cops are on drug-dealer payroll 15:12  |  Yacov 20/02/07   6.   Good job! 15:44  |  amer Rica 20/02/07   7.   @kosher "Yacov" 17:55  |  Spoon 20/02/07   8.   Pork Eaters 00:21  |  Ilana 28/02/08

Today Online Israeli killed in massive Qassam barrage on Negev Responses: 181 Amira Hass: For Palestinians, an unarmed struggle would be suicide Responses: 136 Shmuel Rosner: Can Obama restore the Black-Jewish alliance? Responses: 101 Poll: Most Israelis back direct talks with Hamas on Shalit Responses: 89 Jewish groups mull UN racism meet after Israel decides to skip Responses: 121 Rosner's Domain Can Obama restore the Black-Jewish alliance? Why Farrakhan is the litmus test for black politicians? (WTR) Would Obama be supportive of an Israel governed by Likud? Poll: Is it time for Israel to end the blockade in Gaza? Iran Could Have Enough Uranium for a Bomb by Year's End (WTR) More Headlines 23:41 IAF bombs Gaza; Qassam rocket kills Negev student 22:19 Rice heads to Israel next week amid Gaza violence 20:12 Olmert: No one in Hamas will be immune against war we wage 20:26 PM: Iran nukes not inevitable; Russia: We may back sanctions 19:53 Gazans told to boil drinking water as chlorine supply down due to blockade 21:48 Visiting Lithuanian FM gets harsh letter from Yad Vashem 17:37 Rights group slams IDF probe into deadly Beit Hanun shelling 20:46 Shas MK Benizri's aide opens envelope filled with white powder 17:57 Report: Top Iran cleric slams Ahmadinejad's 'coarse' attacks on Israel 20:42 Women's groups protest court approval of Katsav plea bargain 14:37 MKs back bill to block porn, gambling sites for Israeli surfers Previous Editions Select Day 27 feb 26 feb 25 feb 24 feb 22 feb 21 feb 20 feb 19 feb 18 feb 17 feb 15 feb 14 feb

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