The Jerusalem District Prosecutor's Office filed an indictment against Yan Shmela on Monday, charging him with deliberately injecting benzodiazepines into jars of Prinok baby fruit puree. Shmela, a 41-year-old Beersheba resident, is accused of tampering with products at Zol VeGadol supermarket branches in Jerusalem, leading to the hospitalization of several infants in June. The indictment was filed following the completion of the investigation, as reported by ynet.
The Jerusalem District Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment against Yan Shmela, the central suspect in the tampering of Prinok baby food products. According to ynet, the indictment charges Shmela with deliberately injecting benzodiazepines—a class of sedatives—into jars of baby fruit puree sold at Zol VeGadol branches in Jerusalem.
The case dates back to June 2026, when several infants were hospitalized at Hadassah Ein Kerem with symptoms of unexpected sedation after consuming the products. As The Zioneer reported in September, the investigation was completed and a prosecutor's statement was filed on September 10, signaling an imminent indictment. The investigation involved the Jerusalem District Police and the Shin Bet.
Shmela remains in custody as legal proceedings move forward. The motive for the alleged act is still under investigation.
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