Lebanon makes largest ever cannabis drug seizure

Drugs were found in eight trucks and were destined for Africa

epa08353223 Lebanese policemen check vehicles license plates at a highway checkpoint in Ouzai area south of Beirut, Lebanon, 09 April 2020. Checkpoints were set up to implementing strict measures that allow vehicles with even or odd plate numbers to drive for three days a week each and Sundays will be banned for all vehicles as a part to stem the spread of the ongoing coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

Lebanese policemen check vehicles at a highway checkpoint in Ouzai area south of Beirut, Lebanon. EPA/WAEL HAMZEH

Apr 10, 2020

Lebanese police have seized about 25 tonnes of cannabis in the country's biggest ever drugs raid.

The cannabis was hidden in eight trucks which were stopped last month on their way to Beirut port after the security forces received information about preparations to smuggle a large amount of the drug to an African state.

"After finishing the inspection of the trucks, great quantities of hashish were seized, weighing around 25 tonnes, packed in bags, each one of which weighed between 25-30 kg," the security forces said in a statement on Friday.

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"Work continues to arrest those involved," they added.

The country is presently in lockdown due to the coronavirus.

It went into lockdown on March 15 and the drugs were seized the following day.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has previously ranked Lebanon as one of the top five sources of cannabis resin after Morocco and Afghanistan.