Conflict Incident Report

BEIRUT: An alleged drug dealer and his accomplice were caught last week after stealing up to LL36 million ($23,800) from a restaurant in early March, according to a General Security statement released.

On March 3, the restaurant in the Sodeco neighborhood of Beirut was burgled after a breaking and entering operation.

Internal Security Forces identified the suspects and subsequently arrested them in the Qoreitem and Sodeco areas of Beirut on March 23.

They were identified as M.Aa. and Y.H.

M.Aa. confessed to breaking and entering at the instigation and with assistance of Y.H., who worked at the restaurant in question.

M.Aa. then allegedly stole 24 million in Lebanese pounds, depositing LL 11 million in a bank and giving six million to a friend for safe-keeping. He then purchased a motorbike and miscellaneous personal items with the remaining money.

Y.H. also confessed to selling cannabis and narcotics to college students.

Some $3,200 was recovered and about LL10.5 million seized and reportedly returned to the restaurant owner, according to ISF. The motorcycle was also seized.

Both suspects were referred to the Central Drug Enforcement Office for further investigation at the behest of the judiciary.