Two veteran pharmacists were arrested on suspicion of stealing tens of thousands of medications intended for IDF soldiers and privately trafficking them on the black market.

The two, the supervising pharmacist at the Glilot base and another pharmacist, are employed as outside contractors by the Defense Ministry.

The arrests were made following an undercover investigation conducted over the past several months by the Arazim Central Investigations Unit of the Defense Ministry’s Security Authority and the Dan District unit of the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division. The investigation was also accompanied by the Health Ministry’s Enforcement Division.

According to the investigative materials, the two are suspected of fraudulently taking tens of thousands of medications intended for IDF soldiers, including prescription drugs. The medications were allegedly sold systematically on the black market, with the two pocketing tens of thousands of shekels.

A joint statement by the police, Defense Ministry and IDF emphasized that some of the medications the two allegedly trafficked cannot be used without a prescription and require accompanying medical tests before they are taken. Authorities warned that trafficking in such medications poses a danger to public health.

When the investigation became overt, the two pharmacists were arrested at the Glilot base and taken for questioning by the Arazim Central Investigations Unit. They are suspected of theft by an authorized person, obtaining something under aggravated circumstances, reckless and negligent acts, as well as additional offenses under the Pharmacists Ordinance.

Investigators also detained additional suspects connected to the case. Other individuals are being questioned by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division on suspicion of theft by an authorized person, assisting in obtaining something by fraud under aggravated circumstances, and additional offenses. Their cases are being handled in coordination with the Military Prosecution.

Police are expected to ask the Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court to extend the detention of the two pharmacists. The investigation into them and the other individuals involved is continuing.