Bags containing drugs confiscated by the Lebanese Army during searches in al-Sharawneh area of Baalbeck. (Credit: Twitter/@LebarmyOfficial)
BEIRUT — A suspected drug dealer was arrested by the Lebanese Army on Monday in al-Sharawneh neighborhood in Baalbeck, accused of being linked to “Abou Salle,” a drug dealer involved in car theft and weapons trade, who is still on the loose, according to a statement by the army.
Here’s what we know:
• The army announced that the suspect had been “selling drugs for the benefit of Abou Salle,” adding that an investigation into his case has been opened.
• Several alleged accomplices have been arrested by the army in its hunt for Abou Salle, which has been ongoing since the clashes on June 3 during which 28-year-old soldier, Zein Chamas, was killed, and five other soldiers were injured.
• The Bekaa, where non-state arms are widely prevalent as the state struggles to impose its authority, is often the scene of bloody clashes between rival clans, sometimes involving Lebanese Army soldiers.
Rubio condemns Iran's 'outrageous' attacks on Kuwait
