Search
Search

SMUGGLING

Suspected Syria to Lebanon human smuggling ring dismantled

Suspected Syria to Lebanon human smuggling ring dismantled

The three suspects were arrested on Dec. 3. (Credit: NNA)

BEIRUT - The Internal Security Forces arrested on Dec. 3 three men suspected of organizing illegal crossings at the Lebanese-Syrian border, it announced in a statement Wednesday.

Here’s what we know:

    • The statement explains that two of the alleged smugglers were apprehended in the Jdeideh area, while the third was stopped in Dora while transporting six women and children, who were also detained. During the arrest, the ISF seized the vehicles in which the suspects were found, as well as a handgun; mobile phones; Lebanese, Syrian and American currencies; and financial account documents.

    • The ISF investigation added that the trio is thought to have been organizing trips from Damascus to Beirut, and vice versa, for about a year, charging passengers between LL1 million and LL2 million per journey. The route consisted of initial transit across the border by taxi or motorcycle to Wadi Khaled, followed by a bus ride to either the Cola or Dora areas on the outskirts of Beirut. 

BEIRUT - The Internal Security Forces arrested on Dec. 3 three men suspected of organizing illegal crossings at the Lebanese-Syrian border, it announced in a statement Wednesday.Here’s what we know:    • The statement explains that two of the alleged smugglers were apprehended in the Jdeideh area, while the third was stopped in Dora while transporting six women and children, who...