Development in the investigation into the 'Prinuk' fruit juice poisoning incident in Jerusalem: Police forces today (Sunday) arrested a southern resident, in his 40s, on suspicion of involvement in introducing anesthetics and sedatives into the juice.
The suspect was arrested at his home by investigators from the Crime Suppression Unit and transferred for further questioning.
Tomorrow he is expected to appear for a hearing at the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, where the police will request an extension of his detention.
At the same time, the police are continuing to examine the findings and evidence collected so far, in order to locate the source of the materials and the mechanism by which they were introduced into the products, along with examining suspicions of additional involvement in the act.
The drama began two and a half months ago, after three infants from Haredi families in Jerusalem required hospitalization at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital due to severe weakness and symptoms of apathy.
Blood tests revealed that their bodies contained traces of benzodiazepines - chemical substances that act as anti-anxiety agents and are found in sedatives and anesthetics for adults, including Valium and Clonazepam.
The tests revealed that the toddlers had eaten various 'Prinuk' brand baby food, which were purchased at two different branches of the 'Zol Ve Bedol' chain in the capital. The babies were released from the hospital after a period of observation, and it was later discovered that the anesthetics were present in additional jars of the company's baby food.
