Criminal empire crumbles: Infamous Bekaa drug dealer taken down by Lebanese military

Report by Edmond Sassine, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi    

The killing of drug kingpin 'Abu Salleh' marked another chapter in the long-running confrontation between Lebanon's military intelligence and army units and the country's most dangerous criminal gangs in the Bekaa Valley. 

Authorities describe Abu Salleh as one of Lebanon's largest narcotics traffickers, accused of murdering soldiers, opening fire on the army, and executing individuals.

His death, carried out by a drone-fired missile after several failed arrest attempts, has stirred debate over the method of his elimination. Still, his case remains among the most high-risk security files in the country.

Abu Salleh's downfall adds to a string of security achievements by military intelligence and army units in the Bekaa. Since the 2017 "Dawn of the Outskirts" operation that eradicated terrorist strongholds, security focus has shifted toward battling gangs and dismantling the narcotics trade.

Between 2020 and 2025, authorities achieved what they describe as strategic victories for Lebanon and the region, dismantling 70% of the most dangerous gangs, shutting down most drug and Captagon production facilities, and seizing narcotics worth an estimated $1 billion. Major trafficking networks have been broken, with their leaders either arrested or killed.

The Bekaa's complex geography, tribal structure, and proximity to Syria have long made it a haven for Lebanon's most wanted criminals. 

LBCI has obtained a report that revealed the most dangerous wanted individuals and gang leaders who were eliminated or arrested.

The report indicates files on 66 of the country's most dangerous fugitives and gang leaders—all implicated in crimes ranging from drug manufacturing, trafficking, and smuggling to armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, murder, extortion, and shootings targeting the army, security forces, and civilians.

The elimination of these gangs has brought relief even within Bekaa's own families and clans, many of whom had called for an end to the lawlessness that tarnished the image of Lebanon's largest region.

The fight is far from over. 

Remaining gang leaders continue to operate, but current local, regional, and international conditions are expected to facilitate the army's ongoing mission to root them out entirely.