Police mark Purim with kiosk-drug and youth drinking raids

Raids carried out to prevent youth violence, other offenses; 500 "hagigat" speed pills confiscated.

By BEN HARTMAN
Drugs in Tel Aviv (photo credit: Ben Hartman)
Drugs in Tel Aviv
(photo credit: Ben Hartman)
With tens of thousands of youth on the streets partying for Purim, police carried out a nationwide operation targeting underage drinking and the sale of “kiosk drugs.”
The National Police said over the course of Saturday night they seized more than 1,000 bottles of alcohol, as well as more than 1,000 bags of synthetic marijuana, sold in kiosks under brand names such as “Mr. Nice Guy” and “Mabsuton,” among others. Police said they also confiscated more than 500 pills, including Hagigat speed pills.
The raids on Saturday night were carried out at more than 380 spots, including kiosks, clubs and parks.
Police were joined on the raids by officials from the Anti-Drugs Authority and the Health Ministry.
Police said the raids were carried out in large part to prevent youth violence and other offenses. Such raids are typically carried out on Purim and also on other big party nights such as Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.