A volunteer stores medicines delivered to Lebanon with the help of the diaspora, on July 12, 2021, in the town of Mazraat al-Dahr , Mount Lebanon. (Credit: Joseph Eid/AFP photo)
Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF) made three arrests on Saturday as part of an ongoing investigation into the smuggling of Turkish and Egyptian medicines into the country, according to the al-Markazia news agency. The individuals detained are identified as A.S. and M.M. (both Syrian nationals), and F.N. (a Lebanese national).
The investigation, which began on May 22 and remains open, was launched by Financial Prosecutor Imane Abdallah and is being conducted by the Broummana police in the Metn district. In addition to the three detainees, the probe targets 50 pharmacists and 60 individuals working in the pharmaceutical trade who may be implicated for their involvement in purchasing smuggled medicines.
Lebanon’s ongoing economic and financial crisis, which began in 2019, has severely impacted the healthcare sector and patients’ access to imported medicines. Smuggling has since become widespread, as many Lebanese seek cheaper alternatives to prescribed medications. However, these products are not regulated or monitored by the Ministry of Health.
