IDF NCO (non-commissioned officer) Louie Balut, 34, of Fassuta, told a Haifa court on Monday that he is innocent, denying allegations leveled against him that he was involved in a drug ring bringing the illegal substance into northern Israel.

In a major development, security officials have confirmed statements by Balut that he was working for military intelligence, the IDF’s very own intelligence unit known as 504.

Nevertheless, his handlers told reporters that Louie was not authorized, ever, to engage in the activities such as drug smuggling.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)