Israeli police officers (illustrative). Photo: Mark Probst via Wikimedia Commons.

JNS.org – Alleged crime boss Michael Mor and 32 other suspected Israeli mafia members were arrested last Saturday night following a yearlong undercover police investigation into Israel’s criminal underworld.

As part of the investigation, an undercover officer codenamed “The Shark” was embedded within the criminal organizations that are accused of trafficking drugs and selling weapons to Arabs.

Multiple overnight raids were conducted simultaneously in Ramat Gan, Petah Tikva, Afula, Migdal Ha’emek, Nahariya, Umm el-Fahm and Umm el-Ghanam, and involved some 250 law enforcement officers and special forces.

During the raids, police seized more than a dozen weapons, more than half a pound of cocaine, more than six pounds of marijuana, $56,000 in cash and several vehicles.

Mor, 39, is suspected of heading a criminal gang in the northern Israeli city of Nahariya. The Nazareth Magistrate’s Court ordered on Sunday that Mor’s detention be extended until Sept. 12. Previously, Mor was arrested three months ago in connection with the murder of a rival gang member. His lawyers have denied the charges against him.