The Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture reported that “as part of ongoing efforts to combat smuggling and protect local agricultural and livestock production, and to reduce phenomena threatening farmers and the national economy, the General Customs Directorate – Anti-Smuggling Division, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, carried out targeted seizures over the past two days in the regions of Tripoli and Beirut.”

The statement explained that “during these operations, the teams stopped a pickup vehicle heading from the north to Beirut loaded with large quantities of smuggled agricultural products, which were fully confiscated and, along with other seized items, were handed over according to procedures to the Military Hospital.”

The seized items included:

• Grapes: 3780 kg
• Grape leaves: 90 kg
• Sour lemons: 950 kg
• Bananas: 480 kg
• Clementines: 180 kg

According to the statement, the estimated value of these seizures was about 626 million Lebanese pounds, while the imposed fines reached approximately 1.252 billion Lebanese pounds.

The ministry confirmed that “these operations are part of a strict and comprehensive plan to combat the entry of smuggled agricultural products that directly harm Lebanese farmers and negatively affect local markets,” stressing “continued close cooperation with security agencies and customs to protect national production and ensure food safety and food security in Lebanon.”