The June 20 theft of an M16 rifle from an IDF base in northern Israel prompted a joint police and military investigation that expanded into an alleged drug-trafficking probe. A 30-year-old reservist and a 30-year-old Kiryat Tivon resident have been arrested and indicted on charges tied to the stolen weapon; a 34-year-old Tiberias resident faces planned drug charges. An IDF major — the reservist's brother — was questioned on obstruction and may be indicted later.
Stolen M16 From Northern IDF Base Sparks Drug-Ring Probe — Two Indicted, Officer Under Scrutiny
A stash of cocaine discovered during a police investigation into the trafficking of an M16 rifle taken from an IDF base in northern Israel. August 3, 2026. (photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON
What began as a report of a missing M16 rifle from an Israel Defense Forces base in northern Israel has widened into a criminal investigation that authorities say uncovered an alleged drug-trafficking network and implicated an IDF officer.
Israel Police and military prosecutors said the inquiry began on June 20, when Military Police received a report that an M16 rifle had been taken from a northern base. That same evening, officers arrested a 30-year-old reservist noncommissioned officer (NCO) from Tiberias on suspicion of taking the rifle from a soldier in his unit.
Investigation Expands
As investigators developed leads, they suspected the weapon had been passed to criminal elements. The Northern District Police's central investigative unit opened a joint probe with the northern unit of the Military Police. Police later arrested a 30-year-old resident of Kiryat Tivon on suspicion of receiving the rifle on the night it was taken.
Illustrative: IDF M16 rifle. (credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Drug Ring Allegations
During searches and interviews, authorities said they uncovered evidence that the Kiryat Tivon resident and a 34-year-old Tiberias resident had operated a network trafficking cocaine and other illegal drugs in recent months. Prosecutors allege a substantial share of the narcotics was sold to soldiers serving at bases in northern Israel.
Officer Questioned
Several days into the inquiry, investigators questioned the reservist's brother — an IDF major stationed at a northern base — on suspicion of obstruction of justice and conspiracy to commit a crime. Prosecutors allege the major on multiple occasions supplied the other suspects with medical cannabis that he had legally obtained by prescription. Authorities said an indictment against the officer is expected at a later date.
Charges And Ongoing Proceedings
On Monday the Northern District Attorney's Office filed an indictment against the Kiryat Tivon resident on charges related to trafficking the stolen firearm. The Military Prosecution separately indicted the 30-year-old reservist over his alleged role in stealing and trafficking the rifle. Police prosecutors in Kiryat Shmona are preparing drug-trafficking charges against the 34-year-old Tiberias resident.
Note: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing.
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