Prosecutors on file indictments against 27 suspects involved in a mass cannabis distribution network known as Telegrass.
Police last month effectively shut down the virtual marijuana marketplace, which operated on the Telegram messaging application, with the arrest of 42 suspected members in Israel, the United States, Ukraine and Germany, including founder Amos Dov Silver.
Legal proceedings are still underway to extradite Silver, who was arrested in Ukraine.
The suspects are being charged with various crimes including drug trafficking, “dangerous” drug trafficking, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, possession of drugs other than for personal consumption, obstruction of justice, money laundering and tax evasion.
The prosecution requested that 22 of the 27 suspects remain behind bars until the end of proceedings against them.
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