Sometimes an abandoned lot in the middle of a neighborhood turns into a kingdom of fear, money and secrecy. Old caravans converted into a hub of trade, doors creaking in the night, and a flow of buyers and sellers who come and go unnoticed. But this morning in Silwan, East Jerusalem, that story ended: police units moved in, the ground shook, and the criminal stronghold collapsed before the cameras.
Jerusalem drug bust
Over recent months, the Jerusalem District Police identified a caravan complex in Silwan that served as an active drug trafficking site. In a targeted raid, officers discovered large amounts of substances suspected to be dangerous drugs – including about one kilogram of cannabis, more than half a kilogram of hashish, over 200 ecstasy pills, and material suspected to be cocaine. Cash and four vehicles intended for forfeiture were also seized.
Several Palestinian residents of the West Bank, some illegally present in Israel, were arrested on suspicion of operating the site. They were taken for questioning at the Shalem station, and indictments along with remand requests were filed by the district’s prosecution unit. On the basis of the investigation, the district commander signed an administrative closure order for the compound, valid for 30 days.
(Taxi argument in Jerusalem – this is how it ended)
Closure order and demolition
This morning, Jerusalem District Police and Border Police entered the Silwan compound to complete the operation. The caravans were evacuated and demolished, additional drugs and cash were seized, and animals held in violation of municipal regulations were taken by the city’s veterinary service.
Superintendent Tal Ben Kiki, commander of the Silwan police center, notes: “This was a determined and focused operation intended to put an end to a criminal hub that harmed residents of Silwan and East Jerusalem as a whole. Israel Police will not allow public spaces to turn into crime centers, and we will continue to act together with the Jerusalem Municipality and all enforcement agencies until the phenomenon of drug trafficking is completely eradicated. We will enforce the law to strengthen governance, preserve public order and ensure a safer environment and better quality of life for all Jerusalem residents.”
