News in Brief:
– Authorities at a port in Beirut seize over 25 kg of cocaine hidden in banana shipment from Ecuador, a part of an international smuggling network.
– Rising trend of drugs concealed in food shipments raises concerns for local farmers, impacting their livelihoods and export opportunities.
Authorities at the Port of Beirut recently uncovered over 25 kg of cocaine ingeniously concealed within a shipment of bananas from Ecuador, a local media outlet reports.
The Internal Security Forces (ISF) made this significant seizure, amplifying concerns about the resurgence of drug trafficking networks infiltrating Lebanon.
Prompted by intelligence on an international smuggling operation funneling cocaine from Ecuador disguised within banana shipments, the ISF initiated a thorough investigation. Their efforts culminated in the discovery of 25.6 kg of cocaine, with an estimated value soaring into the millions, cleverly concealed within the metallic framework of the container. Currently, law enforcement agencies are vigorously pursuing leads to apprehend the perpetrators and dismantle the syndicate behind this nefarious scheme.
This alarming incident mirrors a disconcerting trend of drug seizures concealed within food shipments, posing grave challenges to local authorities. Just days prior to this discovery, Lebanese police reportedly intercepted 27 kg of hashish secreted within coffee bags in Beirut. Furthermore, a week earlier, a staggering haul of nearly 150 kg of hashish was said to have been seized, camouflaged within bags of za’atar, sumac, and keshek.
While the focus often rests on law enforcement efforts and international ramifications, the implications for local farmers cannot be overlooked. Such illicit activities not only tarnish Lebanon’s reputation but also jeopardise the livelihoods of innocent farmers. With increased scrutiny on food shipments, farmers face heightened challenges in exporting their produce, potentially impacting their income and sustainability.
