Fruitful security cooperation between Riyadh and Beirut
In a move reflecting the depth of security cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Lebanese Republic, the spokesperson for the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced that the competent Lebanese authorities had successfully dismantled a fully equipped drug manufacturing facility. The spokesperson explained that this successful operation was based on precise intelligence provided by the Saudi Ministry of Interior to its Lebanese counterpart, which led to the identification and successful raid of the facility.
The operation resulted in the seizure of quantities of manufactured narcotics, as well as chemicals used as precursors in their production. Firearms in the possession of the criminal network were also confiscated. The spokesperson commended the positive and effective cooperation from the Lebanese side, emphasizing that the Kingdom is committed to its efforts to monitor and resolutely confront all criminal activities targeting its security and youth, and to apprehend all those involved.
Historical background: The scourge of drugs and its threat to the region's security
This operation comes within the context of a broader regional war against drug manufacturing and trafficking networks, particularly those dealing in Captagon pills, which have proliferated in the region over the past decade. Taking advantage of the instability, certain areas in Syria and Lebanon have become major production hubs for this narcotic, primarily targeting markets in the Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia. Frequent smuggling operations have previously led to diplomatic tensions, most notably Saudi Arabia's decision in April 2021 to ban the import of Lebanese agricultural products after thwarting attempts to smuggle millions of Captagon pills concealed within shipments of fruits and vegetables.
The importance of the process and its strategic impact
This joint operation is of paramount importance on several levels. Domestically, in Lebanon, it demonstrates the security forces' ability to pursue major criminal networks despite the economic and political challenges facing the country. Regionally, it represents a significant success for intelligence cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, and strengthens mutual trust between the two countries on sensitive security matters. The operation also sends a strong deterrent message to organized crime networks that efforts to combat them transcend national borders and that there is high-level coordination to counter their activities. Internationally, this step underscores the commitment of the Kingdom and its regional partners to combating the scourge of drugs, which not only threatens local security but is also part of a global criminal network that impacts the stability of the entire world.
