Syria foils drug smuggling attempt from Lebanon

By Saad al-Yaziji

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Syrian authorities announced on Monday that they had foiled a large drug smuggling attempt coming from Lebanon, seizing significant quantities of narcotics following armed clashes with smugglers.

The Syrian Ministry of Interior said through its official Telegram channel that the Anti-Narcotics Department in Damascus, in cooperation with the Border Security Directorate in al-Zabadani area, intercepted the smuggling operation.

According to the statement, security forces confiscated approximately 498 packs of hashish and 198 envelopes containing narcotic pills. The smugglers fled the area after an exchange of fire, leaving behind the contraband.

The ministry noted that the operation followed “careful monitoring and tracking efforts,” emphasizing that it is part of the ongoing work of the Anti-Narcotics Department to combat the trafficking and spread of drugs across Syrian territory.

Drug smuggling from Lebanon into Syria has been a recurring concern in recent years, particularly across border regions where armed clashes between smugglers and security forces are frequent. Authorities in both countries have repeatedly reported seizing shipments of hashish and pills, often intended for regional markets.

It is worth mentioning that the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) has also reinforced measures in its territories to prevent the trafficking and distribution of narcotics, coordinating with security forces to curb cross-border smuggling.

The ministry confirmed that investigations are underway to identify those responsible for the latest operation, while security forces continue to monitor the area to prevent further smuggling attempts.