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Wide-scale arrests following exposure of illegal Israeli Arab weapons industry
[Ynet] Undercover agent earned trust in criminal underworld; purchased drugs, dozens of guns, rifles and M-16 machine guns amounting to NIS 11k: 'I always saw myself on the side that enforces the law.'

Six-hundred coppers locked away
Please don't kill me!
 63 suspects on Monday morning as part of a wide-scale operation during which a secret agent with a false criminal identity exposed a wide-scale illicit weapons industry in Arab sectors of society.

The undercover agent documented dozens of weapons acquisition and drugs deals which has led to the arrest of the suspects.

During the operation, dubbed ’Operation 500,’ the agent acquired twelve improvised Carlo sub-machine guns, three Kalashnikov assault rifles, two improvised M-16 machine guns, four handguns, tear grenades, ammunition and large quantities of cocaine, hashish and marijuana.

According to the police, the agent became a popular and respected figure among criminal circles in the area and was even called upon to act as an arbiter in disagreements and disputes between the criminals.

"I hope and I believe that the agent who assisted us and joined the police force last night will serve as an example to the young generation among Arabs who suffer and pay a heavy price for the high levels of crime in its sector."
Shortly before the exposure, the agent commented on the recruitment process: "I always saw myself on the side that enforces the law. When it was suggested to me that I act as an agent I didn’t think twice. It’s a challenging mission. The phenomenon of weapons in the Arab areas seriously concerns the residents. It is a dangerous phenomenon with which I am intimately familiar."

Before the mass arrests were made on Monday morning, a ceremony took place during which Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan, Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh and Maj. Gen. Motti Cohen awarded the police agent with a gun and a certificate paying tribute to his activities:

"I salute this brave agent who exposed a weapons dealer network, and the Israel police which participated in the operation," said Erdan.

"The struggle against illegal weapons is a top priority of the police and of mine. We will continue the struggle using all means at our disposal until we eradicate the phenomenon. The agent involved proves again that when it comes to enforcing the law, there are no Jews, Arabs or Christians. There are only law enforcers and criminals. I hope and I believe that the agent who assisted us and joined the police force last night will serve as an example to the young generation among Arabs who suffer and pay a heavy price for the high levels of crime in its sector," added Erdan.

Alsheikh added, "The police is in the midst of an extensive process to enhance public trust and confidence in Arab society in all aspects of police and law enforcement. The illicit weapons industry hits, first and foremost, the quality of life and the security
Posted by: trailing wife 2016-07-20
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=462313