North resident, 44, died in China in Nov.; autopsy reveals 400 grams of drug.
By JPOST.COM STAFF
A 44-year-old Israeli man who died in China over a month ago had 22 packets of what appeared to be heroin in his stomach, it was reported Wednesday morning.
The drugs - all 400 grams of it - were discovered during an autopsy conducted after police suspected the November death was crime-related.
According to initial assessments, the man - a northern resident - died when one or more of the packets apparently burst in his stomach.
Widespread narcotic dealing and usage has been a major problem among Israelis. Less than two weeks ago, Brazilian police apprehended Yoram El-Al, 35 - also known as the "King of Ecstasy" - who was considered one of the world's leading Ecstasy traffickers.
El-Al was wanted by Israeli, American and Uruguayan authorities on charges including US federal drug violations as well as racketeering and organized-crime related offenses.
Rebecca Anna Stoil contributed to this report.