Police arrest East Jerusalem man in possession of illegal firearms, ammo

By ToI Staff 14 March 2024, 12:10 pm Edit

Weapons seized by police in East Jerusalem in a photo released on March 14, 2024. (Israel Police)

Jerusalem police have detained a 28-year-old East Jerusalem resident after he was found to be in possession of two illegal firearms and ammunition, police say in a statement.

One of the guns was found hidden in a closet among colorful children’s birthday candles, the statement says, adding that officers searched the suspect’s home and barbershop as part of the investigation.

Police say they were able to connect the suspect with the seized weapons using photos on his cellphone.

The suspect was apprehended “as part of the ongoing police fight against gun crimes” in the Arab Israeli community, the statement says.

The suspect’s remand is extended until Sunday and he is expected to be indicted in the coming days.