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‘Drugs Emperor’ Arrested in Beirut

Logo of Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF)
Logo of Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF)
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‘Drugs Emperor’ Arrested in Beirut

Logo of Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF)
Logo of Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF)

Lebanese security forces arrested on Wednesday a “drug emperor” who is the kingpin of the most dangerous drug-trafficking networks in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
 
In a statement, the Internal Security Forces (ISF) announced the arrest of the suspected leader of a drug dealing gang, who was identified as Lebanese national Aa.A., born in 1978 and wanted on 72 drug related charges.
 
The new operation comes within the framework of a campaign launched by the security forces last year, in Beirut and the southern suburbs in particular, to pursue wanted persons and mainly drug traffickers, after the aggravation of this phenomenon and the increasing number of drug users in various areas of the country.
 
The statement noted that the man was arrested on Jan. 4 during a raid by the ISF Information Branch on his residence in the Bekaa area of Hrabta.
 
The suspect has admitted to leading a drug trafficking network in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, under the pseudonym Youssef. He also admitted to selling drugs to a large number of users, according to the ISF statement.
 
The operation comes few days after the arrest of a person named Maher Mohammed Tleiss, in the Bekaa area of Brital. The man is wanted by the Interpol on charges of forming a car-stealing gang, kidnapping and producing counterfeit money, attacking members of the Army, as well as on suspicion of arms and drug trafficking.
 
“As a result of monitoring and follow-up, a force from the Directorate of Intelligence raided the home of Maher Mohamad Tleiss and arrested him in his hometown of Brital, in the Bekaa,” a statement from the Lebanese Armed Forces said.

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Arab World

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
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Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.