Lebanese Army Cracks Down on Major Drug Operation Amidst Local Security Incidents

The Lebanese Army announced on Monday it had successfully dismantled a major Captagon manufacturing facility in the town of Yammouneh, located in the Baalbek region of the Bekaa Valley. [5, 8] Described as "one of the largest labs seized to date," the operation represents a significant victory for security forces in their ongoing battle against the illicit drug trade that has plagued the nation. [5, 6] The raid, conducted by an army intelligence patrol, was based on precise information and resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of Captagon pills, crystal meth, and other narcotics. [4, 5, 7] The sophistication of the operation was underscored by the discovery of a 300-meter-long tunnel used for access, escape, and storage of equipment. [4, 5, 6] An army bulldozer was brought in to seal the tunnel, effectively crippling the factory's logistical capabilities. [4, 5, 10] Authorities confiscated approximately 10 tons of machinery and raw materials used in the production of the amphetamine-like drug. [4, 7, 12] While some equipment was destroyed on-site, the rest was retained for an ongoing investigation under judicial supervision to identify and apprehend all individuals involved. [4, 5, 10] This successful crackdown on organized crime stands in contrast to other recent security events that highlight the multifaceted challenges facing Lebanon. In a separate incident, three people were injured in the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut when a hand grenade exploded. [15, 16] According to initial reports, a Syrian national was reportedly playing with the grenade when it detonated, injuring him and two others nearby. [15, 18] These varied incidents paint a complex picture of Lebanon's internal security landscape. While the army demonstrates notable success in combating large-scale organized crime, as evidenced by the Yammouneh drug bust, challenges related to localized violence and the proliferation of weapons persist. The grenade explosion in Shatila and periodic armed altercations, such as those that have previously occurred in areas like Bourj el-Barajneh, serve as reminders of the volatile security pockets that continue to demand the attention of the state's security apparatus. [19, 22, 24]