The boy, one year and four months old, was found inside the cage with pillows and a bottle during the raid on Sunday. Five older children were also in the apartment.

The mother, who was not present, was brought to the scene and arrested by the detectives for false imprisonment, child neglect and abuse. She was identified as a 35-year Haifa resident.

Officers seized a large amount of what was believed to be crystal and hashish drugs from the building. Two other suspects, ages 22 and 27 were also arrested. Both were also identified as Haifa residents.

“This is one of the most serious and difficult cases I’ve come across,” said Police Corporal Yossi Atias. “The police in cooperation with welfare officials of the Haifa municipality carried out an emergency operation with immediate concern for the other children of the family who were there. We take seriously any harm to the helpless and will work hard to handle the case.”