By Issah Olegor
Lebanese security authorities have arrested a Syrian national who allegedly attempted to smuggle 46.7 kilogrammes of cocaine into Lebanon after arriving from Accra, Ghana.
The arrest was announced by Lebanon’s Directorate General of General Security, which said the suspect was apprehended at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut following a coordinated surveillance operation.
According to a statement from the security agency, the suspect had been under monitoring from the time he departed Accra until his arrival in Lebanon.
The adds to the growing cases of transit of narcotics from Ghana frontiers mostly Accra international Airport and the Tema Port in recent times.
Investigators reportedly tracked his movements at the airport, observing him from the moment he disembarked from the aircraft until he collected his two pieces of luggage.
General Security subsequently coordinated with Customs officials to conduct a search of the bags.
Lebanese Customs describes it as the largest drug seizure in the airport’s history. The suspect is a Syrian national identified by the initials B.H.
He arrived in Beirut from Accra, Ghana, aboard Middle East Airlines flight MEA 576.
40 Packages of Cocaine Discovered
The search reportedly uncovered 40 packages, each containing approximately one kilogramme of cocaine, bringing the total quantity seized to 40 kilograms. How officials say the entire cocaine weighed about 46.7kg.
Security officials also discovered electronic tracking devices, identified as AirTags, concealed within the packages.
The devices are believed to have been fitted to the consignments, although the statement did not explain their intended purpose or identify who may have been monitoring them.
The suspect was arrested, while the seized cocaine and other items were taken into custody as evidence.
Investigations Underway to Identify Other Suspects
Lebanese authorities say investigations are continuing under the supervision of the competent judicial authorities to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling operation.
Investigators are also working to identify and arrest other individuals suspected of being connected to the consignment.
Accra Connection Raises Questions
The reported arrival of the suspect from Accra places Ghana on the route under investigation in the case. operation.
The ongoing investigation is expected to shed further light on the route, the people behind the consignment and the possible network involved in the attempted trafficking.
The suspect remains in the custody of the Lebanese authorities as investigations continue.
