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Conflict Incident Report

Beirut Airport Customs intercepts cocaine smuggler

Date of incident: 
May 12, 2017
Death toll: 
0persons
Number of Injured: 
0persons
Actors/Parties Involved: 
Lebanese Customs

Customs agents at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport intercepted an attempt to smuggle cocaine into Lebanon, a source told The Daily Star.

An American citizen, of European origins, coming from Brazil, tried to smuggle five kilograms of cocaine into the country, but was stopped by the Customs at the airport, the source said.

The suspect will be referred to the judiciary to stand trial.

Security agents seized nearly half a ton of hashish stashed inside soapboxes at Beirut Port Tuesday.

The almost 500 kg of hashish was on its way to Canada.

The ship carrying the haul was initially supposed to be headed to Tanzania, but for currently unknown reasons its destination was changed to Canada at the last minute.

Several suspects were detained, and questioning is underway.

Security forces have been recently busting several drugs smuggling operations.

Seizures of Captagon – an amphetamine traditionally mixed with caffeine that is popular among partygoers and front-line militia fighters – have surged over the past several years, especially in Lebanon and neighboring countries.

Primary category: 
Arrest/Detention
Secondary Category: 
Illicit Trade/Trafficking/Smuggling
Classification of conflict (primary): 
Power & governance conflicts
Violent or non-violent conflicts associated with antagonisms related to internal political tensions between local and/or national groups and parties. These tensions may be encouraged by internal, regional and international parties. Such conflicts are characterized by their defiance and/or opposition to central State power and governance.