6 months ago
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Lebanon's astir wanted cause trafficker was arrested Thursday (November 20, 2025) aft years connected the run, authorities said.
Noah Zeiter was taken into custody during a raid adjacent the eastbound metropolis of Baalbeck, according to a high-ranking subject official. Mr. Zeiter yet turned himself successful to subject quality aft a standoff. The authoritative spoke connected information of anonymity due to the fact that helium wasn’t authorized to talk to the media.
The Lebanese service didn't disclose Mr. Zeiter’s name, but referred to the captive by his initials.
Lebanon's service has been cracking down connected the country's illicit drugs network, which often transports narcotics done its porous borders with Syria into Saudi Arabia and different Gulf states. The affluent monarchies person accused the almighty Hezbollah radical of playing a large relation successful the commercialized of the highly addictive amphetamine known arsenic Captagon.
The subject has often raided factories mostly located successful eastbound Lebanon adjacent the Syrian borderline successful a bid to amended ties with Riyadh, which suspended imports from the cash-strapped state successful 2021 aft uncovering Captagon hidden successful shipments coming into the kingdom.
Mr. Zeiter was sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom successful 2023 for his alleged engagement successful the manufacturing and smuggling of Captagon alongside relatives and adjacent associates of the Assad dynasty successful Syria.
For years, Mr. Zeiter has been connected the tally from Lebanese authorities. Prior to the struggle successful Syria successful 2011, helium was known for producing and smuggling ample amounts of cannabis and made occasional media appearances. Mr. Zeiter is adjacent with Hezbollah and Syria’s Fourth Division nether the now-ousted Assad government.
Under Syria's caller rulers, the authorities has been destroying the remnants of Captagon factories successful the state that flourished during the conflict. Security officials determination accidental they proceed to bust smuggling attempts on the borderline with Lebanon.
Lebanon and Syria person dilatory been trying to amended ties pursuing Assad's downfall successful a lightning insurgency successful December 2024, and anticipation to resoluteness matters on the porous border.
