Syria Cracks Down on Smuggling Networks Along Lebanon Border

Syrian border security forces during an operation – North Press
Syrian border security forces during an operation – North Press

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian border security forces have conducted a large-scale anti-smuggling operation along the Lebanese border, uncovering drug processing facilities, arms caches, and counterfeit currency operations, a senior military official announced Monday.

The multi-day security sweep targeted areas in and around the village of Hawik, a key smuggling route between Syria and Lebanon. The Syrian Ministry of Defense’s Border Security Directorate, under the caretaker government, launched the operation last Thursday to combat the escalating flow of contraband, particularly drugs and weapons.

Crackdown on Drug and Arms Trafficking

Lieutenant Colonel Moayad al-Salama, commander of the Western Border Region, stated that the operation led to the seizure of large quantities of hashish, Captagon pills, and illicit arms shipments.

“Our forces discovered and dismantled several drug processing sites and storage facilities, as well as printing presses used for counterfeit currency production,” al-Salama told North Press.

Additionally, security personnel intercepted multiple weapons shipments intended for cross-border trafficking.

Hezbollah Accused of Ties to Smuggling Networks

The security official also claimed that many of the smuggling groups operating in the area are linked to Hezbollah, stating that the Lebanese militia has played a role in facilitating cross-border drug and arms trade.

“The previous Syrian regime allowed these border routes to become a corridor for drug trafficking, in collaboration with Hezbollah,” al-Salama asserted.

A Plan to Secure Syria’s Borders

In light of the findings, Syrian authorities have devised a new security strategy to enhance border control measures.

“The plan takes into account the ongoing security challenges, ensuring better protection for local communities against criminal networks,” al-Salama added.

The crackdown reflects growing regional concerns over Syria’s role in the expanding Captagon trade, which has been a major source of tension between Syria and its neighboring countries, including Jordan and Gulf states.