In a significant breakthrough against drug trafficking operations in Lebanon, the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) announced the success of an operation that targeted a network involved in storing, packaging, distributing and trafficking drugs in Mount Lebanon.
The prime focus of the operation was on M.H. (born in 1994, Lebanese), widely known as “Mido,” who was identified as the mastermind behind the illicit activities and was wanted for drug-related charges. Another individual, A.M. (born in 1996, Lebanese), was also targeted for his involvement in drug trafficking.
These individuals were identified thanks to meticulous investigative procedures undertaken by specialized units. On December 21 and 22, 2023, the Information Division’s patrols executed a raid on M.H.’s residence in Haret Hreik, resulting in his arrest and the confiscation of his white Mercedes. Simultaneously, A.M. was apprehended in the act of drug trafficking in the Khaldeh area while driving a black Kia, which was also seized.
The subsequent search of M.H.’s residence and the confiscated vehicles revealed a staggering array of illicit items. Among the discoveries were a black military pistol with ammunition, hand grenades, a wireless device, binoculars, a military pouch, a knife, an incendiary projectile and various narcotics. The cache included 335 envelopes of cocaine weighing altogether approximately 1 kg, 23 plastic boxes containing cocaine labeled with $150 and $400, totaling around 135.6 g, a plastic box containing crack cocaine weighing around 9 g, a nylon envelope containing ecstasy pills weighing approximately 10.5 g, a piece of ketamine weighing about 2 g and a nylon bag containing marijuana weighing about 21 g.
In addition to the narcotics, the authorities uncovered paraphernalia associated with drug consumption and packaging, a sensitive scale, a forged $150 US bill, safes, an iron box, personal documents, electronic devices and various amounts of money in multiple currencies.
A further search of M.H.’s residence resulted in the seizure of two unregistered motorcycles. During the subsequent interrogations, M.H. admitted to engaging in drug trade, storage, packaging and distribution on behalf of a certain merchant, as well as conducting drug trafficking for his personal account. A.M. confessed to trafficking drugs for the same merchant and receiving drugs prepared for trafficking from M.H.
Legal proceedings were promptly initiated against the apprehended individuals, and they, along with the confiscated items, were referred to the competent authority as per the judiciary’s order.
This successful operation underscores the dedication of Lebanon’s ISF to combating the scourge of drug trafficking. The arrest of M.H. and A.M., along with the seizure of a significant quantity of narcotics and related paraphernalia, marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks operating within the country.
