Port Authorities Foil Attempt to Smuggle 3 Tons of Drugs to Egypt

Customs authorities at Beirut's port have foiled an attempt to smuggle three tons of Captagon pills and hashish to Egypt, state-run National News Agency reported on Tuesday.

The drugs were “hidden in children's tables” destined for Egypt, NNA said.

“According to the evaluation of the Customs Administration, the shipment was supposed to be sent to Egypt in the first stage before being shipped to other countries,” Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil said at the port during an inspection visit that followed the announcement.

“They have resorted to this method as a result of the strict inspection measures that have been taken,” Khalil added.

He pledged that the Customs Administration will maintain its efforts in this regard, noting that the fight against narcotics “resemblat es Lebanon's battle against terrorism.”

“Drugs are targeted against social stability, people's security and lives, and the lives of youths,” the minister warned.

He also noted those involved in the smuggling attempt have been identified in coordination with the relevant judicial authorities.

Y.R.