Weapons, millions of shekels in drugs seized by police in major blow to Abu Latif syndicate

Jerusalem Post/Israel News/Crime in IsraelAlongside the weapons, explosive bricks, a standard IDF explosive device, and dozens of remote triggering systems for explosives were located.Follow us on GoogleA weapon is found, being examined by police.(photo credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)OCTOBER 20, 2026 08:44A major cache of weapons, explosive devices, and narcotics was uncovered over the weekend in an open area near the village of Rama in the Galilee. According to police suspicions, the stockpile was used by the Abu Latif crime organization, which originates from the local council.During the operation, 12 firearms, dozens of magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, explosive ordnance, and over three kilograms of a substance suspected to be cocaine - with an estimated value running into millions of shekels - were seized.The raid was conducted following intelligence pinpointing the location as a central hideout used by members of the criminal organization. Dozens of police officers from the Central Unit (YAMAR) of the Northern District, along with Border Police fighters and the National Guard, conducted hours of searches across complex terrain before locating the items.Among the seized weapons were eight rifles, including M16s, Kalashnikovs, and a shotgun, as well as four handguns of various types. Additionally, dozens of magazines, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and spare parts for weapons were found. Alongside the weapons, explosive bricks, a standard IDF explosive device, and dozens of remote triggering systems for explosives were located.Security forces also seized tactical vests with ceramic plate armor and a vehicle fitted with forged license plates. All findings were transferred to the Israel Police's forensic and explosives labs for further testing and evidence extraction. The tests are intended, among other things, to assist in identifying those involved in hiding the weapons, explosives, and drugs. At this stage, no arrests have been reported following the discovery of the cache.Weapons, ammunition, and other gear found by Israel Police. (credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)Latif crime organization linked to murder, extortion casesThe Abu Latif crime organization, which grew in Rama and established its power in the Galilee, has been considered in recent years one of the primary targets for law enforcement. Its activity expanded beyond northern Israel, and it was linked to a series of investigations involving violence, extortion under threat, collecting protection money, and attempts to take over infrastructure projects and public tenders.In April 2025, an indictment was filed against the head of the organization, Latif Abu Latif, and 11 other defendants in a case involving the takeover of tenders through extortion under threat. According to the indictment, the organization systematically instilled fear in contractors and businesspeople to gain control of high-budget public projects.Members of the organization were also linked to the murder case of Fatin Kizel in Maghar in March 2024. Kizel, cousin and right-hand man to the mayor-elect, was murdered about two weeks after local elections.A joint Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and police investigation raised suspicions that the murder was carried out to intimidate the mayor and influence his actions. In July of that year, indictments were filed against those involved in the case.Superintendent Shlomi Asraf, head of the detective branch in YAMAR North, noted that the seizure of the cache constitutes a severe moral and financial blow to the crime organization's infrastructure.Police stated that the activity is part of the offensive strategy led by Northern District Commander Maj.-Gen. Meir Eliyahu, in line with objectives set by Police Commissioner Inspector General Danny Levy to combat organized crime rings and bolster personal security for residents of the North.Follow us on Google