Customs confiscate narcotics producing equipment at Beirut Port

Customs explained on Wednesday the details of the confiscation process of equipment caught at Beirut Port.       

The kit would have enabled the production factory scale controlled substances including cocaine, heroin and opium, as well as narcotic pills.                           

In a press conference, acting director-general of the Customs Administration Shafiq Merhi said that “the operation implemented by the customs inspection departments at Beirut port, in cooperation with the Drug Control Division of the General Customs Directorate, was not achieved by accident nor following leaked information, but it is the result of the customs’ professionalism”.                       

Merhi explained that the machines which were confiscated are used to establish an integrated factory to produce narcotic pills and other types of drugs, noting that the equipment was initially assumed to be motorcycle parts.                 

He pointed that five suspects were arrested, while three others are being pursued, adding that investigations are underway and that the case will be referred to the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Internal Security Forces.               

“We will remain vigilant to foil any smuggling attempts, and we are keen on protecting our society from toxic and lethal plagues”, Merhi stated.