A Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday extended by six days the detention of a Southern resident in his 40s suspected of deliberately poisoning food products intended for infants and toddlers. The suspect was questioned over allegations that sedative substances were deliberately introduced into fruit purées manufactured by the Prinnok company.
At the hearing, representatives of the Jerusalem police presented the allegations against the suspect. An investigator told the court, “We claim that the respondent was involved, in a deliberate manner and relatively close to the poisoning incident."
The court determined that there was sufficient evidentiary basis to justify continued detention. The judge said the investigation materials established a significant level of reasonable suspicion regarding offenses including the use of poison to endanger life, negligent handling of medicines and theft.
“The respondent is suspected of being involved in the deliberate poisoning of food products for infants and toddlers. The danger is obvious," the judge ruled. The court also noted that police still need to carry out dozens of investigative actions, some of which could potentially be obstructed if the suspect were released.
During the hearing, the suspect’s attorney claimed that his client suffers from bipolar disorder. The court subsequently ordered that he undergo an examination by a psychiatrist at the detention facility or by the district psychiatrist. The suspect had already undergone an initial assessment, which determined that he was fit to remain in detention.
The arrest followed developments in the investigation into Prinnok products. Investigators from the Crime Fighting Unit arrested the suspect at his home and brought him in for questioning over suspicions that he was involved in introducing the substances into the purées.
The investigation began approximately two months ago after three infants from the Jerusalem area were hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital suffering from severe weakness and apathy. Blood tests detected traces of benzodiazepines, substances used in sedative and anesthetic medications for adults, including Valium and Klonex. Investigators found that all three infants had consumed various baby food purées manufactured by Prinnok and purchased at different branches of the Cheap and Large chain in Jerusalem. The infants were later released from the hospital following a period of observation.
Further investigation found sedative substances in additional jars of the company’s baby food. Police have continued examining the evidence to determine the source of the substances, how they were introduced into the products and whether additional parties were involved.