In what Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar called a “historic” operation, Lebanese authorities have intercepted the largest cocaine shipment the country has seen in years.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Hajjar revealed that the operation was made possible through “coordinated efforts with Saudi Arabia.”
“We have seized the largest quantity of cocaine smuggled into Lebanon by sea. The shipment originated in Brazil, transited through Oman, and arrived aboard a boat at the Port of Tripoli. The drugs were hidden inside 10 containers, very cleverly disguised among a total of 840 barrels filled with industrial oils and greases,” he explained.
“During this operation, the Anti-Narcotics Bureau seized 125 kilograms of cocaine, the largest maritime cocaine shipment intercepted in Lebanon in recent years,” he added.
Two suspects have been arrested, while others remain at large. “The investigation is ongoing,” he added, emphasizing the role of Saudi intelligence in the bust.
According to the minister, the operation was launched “based on detailed intelligence provided by Saudi authorities, which enabled Lebanese security forces to track and intercept the shipment.”
“We are mobilizing all our resources to combat drug trafficking,” he said, adding a message of reassurance to neighboring countries: “Lebanon will not serve as a corridor or hub for drug smuggling – neither into our territory, nor to any of our brotherly nations.”
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