World
Beirut Airport Seizes 46.7 kg of Cocaine in Largest Drug Bust
The General Directorate of Customs announced on Sunday that it disrupted a major smuggling operation on Saturday, seizing 46.7 kg of cocaine at Rafic Hariri International Airport. The drugs were found in the luggage of a Syrian passenger, identified only by the initials B.H., who had arrived from Accra, Ghana, on Middle East Airlines flight MEA 576. Customs officials said the passenger’s bags were searched and revealed 40 packages of cocaine concealed with sophisticated methods, complex packaging and insulation materials designed to evade scanning equipment. Electronic tracking devices were also discovered inside the packages.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect entered Lebanon through the Masnaa border crossing several weeks earlier, then travelled to Accra and returned with the seized shipment, suggesting he was part of an organized smuggling operation. The suspect was arrested, and authorities are continuing investigations to identify the individual who was supposed to receive the shipment at a designated location.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam praised the cooperation between General Security and Customs, noting that the coordination and information sharing led to the successful operation. He reiterated that Lebanon’s land, sea and air borders would not serve as conduits for drug smuggling, money laundering or other illegal activities, and that the government would strengthen border controls and intensify coordination among agencies.
In related actions, the Internal Security Forces arrested a Lebanese man in August who had arrived from Brazil carrying 4.9 kg of cocaine mixed with adhesive substances, concealed in the bottom of two suitcases. Earlier, customs seized 3.5 tons of narcotics at the Port of Beirut in a shipment intended for smuggling to an unspecified African country. Lebanese authorities have pledged to prevent the airport and port from being used as transit points for smuggling and are working with several countries to exchange intelligence aimed at intercepting drug shipments.
Frequently asked questions
How much cocaine was seized at Rafic Hariri Airport?
46.7 kg of cocaine were seized.
From which country did the Syrian passenger arrive?
The passenger arrived from Accra, Ghana.
What border crossing did the suspect use to enter Lebanon?
The suspect entered Lebanon through the Masnaa border crossing.