The national news agency (NNA) reported that the Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati inspected the new security measures at Rafic Hariri International Airport on Friday, and affirmed that it is safe.
In response to recent reports about the smuggling of illicit substance through the airport, especially Captagon, Mikati stressed that “there is a committee handling the matter,” and that the government is “closely monitoring customs’ surveillance efforts.”
Mikati affirmed that “Lebanon cannot be a source or passageway for harming itself, its Arab brothers, and the world.” He added: “We strive to ensure that the Beirut Airport reflects Lebanon’s bright image.”
He revealed that 800 cameras have been installed at the airport and in its surroundings and that a 24/7 operations room monitors any suspicious movement inside the airport and around it.
“Our priority is to maintain security and ensure that exports are safe and legal. This is what we assured Arab and Western countries… We declare the Beirut Airport safe,” Mikati said, adding that he has requested easier travel procedures with the start of summer and the Hajj season.
Mikati was accompanied by the Caretaker Ministers of Public Works and Transportation Ali Hamieh, of Interior and Municipalities Bassam Mawlawi, of Industry George Boujikian, and of Agriculture Abbas Hajj Hassan.
The inspection tour included cargo and passenger buildings where the PM was briefed about technical equipment and security and detection devices to enhance airport security.
“The cargo building contains three warehouses for exports: the first is the ‘MIG’ warehouse, which includes three state-of-the-art scanners that comply with international standards, in addition to two devices for detecting drugs and explosives, and the export warehouse also contains two devices for detecting explosives and drugs,” Hamieh explained.
