Lebanese authorities have made a significant drug bust at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut, seizing 46.7 kilograms of cocaine from a Syrian passenger who arrived from Accra, Ghana. The operation, carried out by Lebanese Customs and General Security on October 31, resulted in the arrest of the traveller, identified only by his initials, B.H. He was found with 40 packages of cocaine in his luggage, hidden using sophisticated methods and complex packaging materials.
According to Lebanese Customs, the suspect arrived in Beirut on Middle East Airlines flight MEA 576 from Accra. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had entered Lebanon through the Masnaa border crossing several weeks earlier, then travelled to Accra and returned with the shipment. This suggests that he was part of an organised smuggling operation, tasked with transporting and delivering the drugs to a designated location.
The seized cocaine was hidden with sophisticated methods and complex packaging and insulation materials designed to evade scanning equipment. Additionally, electronic tracking devices were found inside the packages, indicating a high level of organisation and planning. Investigators are now working to identify the person who was supposed to receive the consignment.
The successful operation has been praised by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who congratulated the General Security and Lebanese Customs for foiling the attempt. He emphasised that Lebanon's land, sea, and air border crossings would not be used for drug smuggling, money laundering, or other illegal activities. The government has pledged to tighten border controls and strengthen coordination among agencies to combat smuggling networks and organised crime.
This is not the first significant drug seizure at Beirut airport this year. In August, the Internal Security Forces announced the arrest of a Lebanese man who arrived from Brazil with 4.9 kilograms of cocaine hidden in two suitcases. A month earlier, Lebanese customs seized 3.5 tonnes of narcotics at the Port of Beirut in a shipment bound for an unnamed African country.
Lebanese authorities have committed to preventing the airport and port from being used as transit points for smuggling. They are working with several countries to exchange intelligence and intercept drug shipments. The government has increased efforts to combat organised crime and strengthen border controls.
The investigation into the Syrian passenger and the seized cocaine is ongoing. Authorities are working to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the smuggling operation. The case highlights the continued efforts of Lebanese authorities to combat drug trafficking and organised crime.
Key points
- The seizure of 46.7kg of cocaine from a Syrian passenger at Beirut airport is the largest drug bust in the airport's history.
- The suspect arrived from Accra, Ghana, and had entered Lebanon through the Masnaa border crossing several weeks earlier.
- The government has pledged to tighten border controls and strengthen coordination among agencies to combat smuggling networks and organised crime.
