Massive Drug Bust in Mount Lebanon Suburbs: Nine Arrested and 46 kg of Narcotics Seized
In a shocking incident that unfolded in the suburbs, a child carrying a schoolbag was caught buying drugs. This incident sent shockwaves through the Information Division, leading to a major operation targeting the most dangerous networks involved in wholesale drug trade and promotion within the Mount Lebanon Governorate. The operation resulted in the arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of a staggering 46 kg of narcotics, including 34 kg of cocaine packed in over 13,000 envelopes.
The Information Division of the Internal Security Forces had received information about an armed network distributing drugs on a wholesale basis within the Mount Lebanon governorate. This network specifically targeted Lebanese youth, especially school and university students. Specialized units were assigned the task of closely monitoring the dens of this network in the Dahiyeh region, as it posed a serious threat to social security due to its large-scale distribution of drugs in significant quantities.
Thanks to the field and informational efforts carried out by the Division, the full identities of the network members were determined. The suspects include individuals such as p.g. (born in 1984, Lebanese), h.p. (born in 1992, Lebanese, wanted for drug offenses), p.M. (born in 1985, Lebanese), M.M.h. (born in 1988, Lebanese, wanted for threatening and impersonating a security person), M.M.h. (born in 1999, Lebanese), a.Dr. (born in 1999, Syrian), a.a. (born in 1990, Syrian), A.H. (born in 1998, Syrian), and M.M. (born in 1995, Syrian).
With this information in hand, the division devised a plan to raid the network’s nests, fully aware that the suspects were armed and likely to carry out counter-surveillance operations. The special force within the division was given orders to implement the plan and arrest all those involved.
Between the 3rd and 5th of June 2023, the Special Force in the division conducted extensive monitoring and control operations, culminating in the largest raids and ambushes in the Choueifat desert, Aramoun, Kfarshima, and Dahr al-Baydar areas. These operations led to the arrest of all nine suspects. During the searches of the suspects, their vehicles, and their residences, which were used as warehouses for storing contraband, law enforcement officials discovered large quantities of various types of narcotics packed in over 13,000 envelopes, weighing a total of 46 kg. Additionally, significant amounts of money in Lebanese pounds and US dollars, jewelry, 15 mobile phones, military weapons, a military quiver with ammunition, a hand grenade, three motorcycles, and four cars were seized.
During interrogations, the suspects confessed to being part of an armed network involved in wholesale drug trade and promotion within the Mount Lebanon governorate. The first suspect admitted to being responsible for transporting drugs from Baalbek to the Choueifat and Aramoun deserts. The second and third suspects confessed to storing and preserving the drugs in specially designated apartments. The remaining suspects admitted to receiving drugs and distributing them in various regions of Lebanon, as well as carrying out control operations in the storage and distribution locations of narcotic substances.
This successful operation by the Information Division of the Internal Security Forces has dealt a significant blow to the dangerous drug promotion network operating in Mount Lebanon. The arrest of nine suspects and the seizure of 46 kg of narcotics will undoubtedly disrupt the network’s operations and help safeguard the youth of Lebanon from the perils of drug abuse.
Authorities are now focused on gathering further evidence and building a strong case against the arrested individuals. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected as the authorities work to dismantle the entire network.
The Information Division has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trade or promotion. The fight against drug abuse and its associated criminal networks remains a top priority for the security forces, as they strive to ensure the safety and well-being of the Lebanese community.
Photo: A child spotted in an investigation frame.
How did law enforcement officials determine the locations where the network stored large quantities of narcotics?
In envelopes. The total amount seized was a shocking 46 kg, with 34 kg of cocaine alone packed in over 13,000 envelopes. This indicates the scale of the network’s operation and its significance in the drug trade.
The successful operation is a major blow to the illegal drug trade in the Mount Lebanon governorate, particularly the networks targeting Lebanese youth. The distribution of drugs on such a large scale posed a serious threat to the social security and well-being of the community, especially school and university students.
The arrests of the nine suspects are a significant step towards dismantling this dangerous network. The suspects include individuals with criminal records and wanted for various offenses, highlighting the importance of targeting such networks and preventing them from continuing their illicit activities.
The efforts of the Information Division of the Internal Security Forces should be commended for their meticulous field and informational work, which led to the identification of the network members. Their dedication and expertise played a crucial role in planning the raids and ensuring the successful arrest of all those involved.
The raids, which took place between June 3rd and 5th, were conducted in multiple areas, including Choueifat desert, Aramoun, Kfarshima, and Dahr al-Baydar. These locations were identified as the dens and warehouses of the network where large quantities of narcotics were stored. The thorough searches carried out during the operations uncovered the substantial amount of narcotics, highlighting the magnitude of the illegal activities of the network.
This successful drug bust serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against illegal drug trade, not only in Mount Lebanon but also across the country. It also emphasizes the crucial role of law enforcement agencies and their continuous efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
The seized narcotics will be turned over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and legal action, which will aid in unraveling the network’s operations and dismantling their entire infrastructure. Meanwhile, the arrests of the suspects send a strong message to other criminals involved in the drug trade that they will not go unpunished.
The successful operation marks a significant victory in the fight against drug trafficking in Mount Lebanon. It is a testament to the dedication and commitment of law enforcement agencies in combating drug-related crimes and making the community a safer place for all.
Great job by the authorities in Mount Lebanon Governorate! The arrest and seizure of 46kg of narcotics will undoubtedly help in curbing the dangerous drug network, making the region safer for its residents.