Syrian arrested in Beirut with 46.7kg of cocaine from Accra

A Syrian man with the initials B.H. was arrested at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport on October 31, 2026, after Lebanese authorities discovered 46.7 kilograms of cocaine hidden in his luggage, marking the largest drug seizure in the airport's history. The General Directorate of Customs announced the operation, conducted in collaboration with General Security, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.

Customs officials found 40 packages of cocaine concealed within the suspect's luggage using advanced packaging methods to avoid detection. Electronic tracking devices were also discovered inside the packages.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had entered Lebanon via the Masnaa border crossing several weeks prior, traveled to Accra, and then returned to Beirut with the drug shipment. These findings suggest that he was involved in an organized smuggling operation, with the intention to transport and deliver the illicit drugs. Lebanese authorities are now working to identify the individual who was supposed to receive the consignment at a designated location.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam praised the Lebanese General Security and Customs for their successful prevention of the drug smuggling attempt, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts among agencies to combat illegal activities. He assured the public that Lebanon's border crossings would not be used for drug smuggling, money laundering, or other criminal activities, and promised to further tighten border controls and strengthen intelligence-sharing with other countries to combat smuggling networks and organized crime.

In August 2026, Lebanese authorities arrested a Lebanese man at the same airport who had arrived from Brazil with 4.9 kilograms of cocaine mixed with adhesive substances hidden in the bottom of two suitcases. Additionally, in a separate incident a month earlier, Lebanese customs seized 3.5 tonnes of narcotics at the Port of Beirut en route to an unspecified African country.

Lebanese authorities remain committed to preventing drug smuggling through the airport and port, and are collaborating with various nations to exchange intelligence and intercept drug shipments.