A Syrian national has been arrested in Lebanon after arriving from Ghana with 40 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in two suitcases, amid allegations that airport officials in Accra were bribed to facilitate the transportation of the drugs.

The suspect, identified only by his initials, B.H., was apprehended at Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport on Saturday, October 31, following his arrival from Accra aboard Middle East Airlines flight MEA 576.

Lebanese customs sources, cited by Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI), alleged that the passenger had paid a bribe to officials at Ghana's main international airport to ensure that the luggage containing the illicit substance passed through the airport's security and check-in procedures.

The sources, however, did not disclose the alleged amount paid or identify the officials suspected of receiving the bribe.

The arrest has drawn attention to the suspected international drug trafficking network and raised questions about possible lapses or complicity within the airport's security system.

According to an LBCI report published on November 1, the Syrian national was allegedly promised $3,000 to transport the cocaine from Ghana to Lebanon.

Lebanese security agencies had reportedly received intelligence about the passenger's journey and placed him under surveillance ahead of his arrival.
Customs and General Security officers monitored his movements from the moment he disembarked until he proceeded to the baggage collection area, where they intercepted and arrested him.

A subsequent inspection of his two suitcases uncovered 40 packages of cocaine, with each package weighing approximately one kilogramme. The drugs were reportedly concealed in packaging intended to evade airport screening systems.

The suitcases were also fitted with AirTag tracking devices, which authorities believe may have been intended to facilitate the monitoring of the consignment.

Lebanese customs authorities put the total weight of the seized materials, including packaging, at 46.7 kilogrammes, while General Security recorded the net cocaine weight as 40 kilogrammes.

Investigators reportedly believe the passenger was expected to deliver the consignment to an unidentified individual outside the airport in exchange for the promised payment.

While the Lebanese account has raised allegations of bribery involving officials in Ghana, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has confirmed that the arrest followed a coordinated intelligence-led operation between Ghanaian and Lebanese law enforcement agencies.

In a statement issued on November 1, NACOC described the operation as a controlled delivery exercise involving close cooperation between the two countries.

The commission explained that the strategy was designed not only to intercept the suspected drug shipment but also to identify individuals involved at different stages of the trafficking operation.

According to NACOC, the operation provided an opportunity to gather intelligence and pursue other individuals suspected of being connected to the international network.

The commission further disclosed that investigations were continuing, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend additional suspects in Ghana.

However, NACOC did not specifically comment on the allegations by Lebanese customs sources that a bribe had allegedly been paid to facilitate the shipment's departure from Accra.

The investigation has reportedly involved direct communication between security authorities in the two countries.

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LBCI reported that Brigadier General Misbah Khalil, head of Lebanon's Higher Customs Council, contacted Ghanaian security and customs officials following the cocaine interception.

The engagement reportedly resulted in an exchange of information aimed at reconstructing the shipment's journey, identifying the individuals behind the operation and tracing the intended recipient.

According to the Lebanese account, B.H. had legally entered Lebanon through the Masnaa land border crossing on October 23 before travelling to Accra later that day.

He subsequently returned to Beirut eight days later, allegedly carrying the cocaine consignment that led to his arrest.

Authorities have yet to publicly identify the person expected to receive the drugs or establish the full extent of the suspected trafficking network.

AM

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