لبنان اليوم
As part of the efforts to preserve the health of citizens, the “Information Division” of the Internal Security Forces carried out an important security operation in Mount Lebanon.
Under the direct supervision of the Attorney General of Mount Lebanon, Judge Sami Sader, the security forces raided a number of warehouses and centers suspected of being involved in promoting and smuggling counterfeit and expired medicines, medical and cosmetic products.
This step comes in the context of combating everything that threatens health security in the country.
The operation resulted in the arrest of a number of those involved and the seizure of large quantities of adulterated and smuggled materials.
The file was referred to the First Investigative Judge in Mount Lebanon, Judge Nada Al-Asmar, to take the necessary legal measures and complete the investigations.
According to information received from , investigations that lasted for weeks revealed the existence of an organized network that works to import and distribute cosmetics, perfumes, contact lenses, and medicines illegally and without obtaining official licenses.
It was also found that there is a direct relationship between several storage points and distribution centers in different regions, which indicates the professionalism of this network.
The raids were carried out with a direct signal from Judge Sami Sader, who was closely following the investigations and issuing the necessary instructions to implement the judicial procedures.
It was found through the minutes of the “Information Division” No. 733/32 that there was suspicion of committing crimes related to promoting counterfeit medical materials, violating the Pharmacy Law and Consumer Protection Law, tax evasion, and unfair competition.
Five people were arrested, namely:
1. Naam Ghazi Nasser El-Din (born 1965 – Lebanese)
2. Ziad Muhammad Haidar Ahmad (born 1978 – Lebanese)
3. Salam Tariq Hilal (born 1986 – Lebanese)
4. Muhammad Omar Al-Hassoun (born 1980 – Syrian)
5. Imad Hussein Raslan (born 1991 – Lebanese)
Ali Ghazi Nasser El-Din (born 1976 – Lebanese) is still at large, and an in absentia arrest warrant has been issued against him.
The names of additional suspects in the investigation were also mentioned, namely Basil Naddaf and Wael, in addition to anyone else that the investigations may reveal later.
The indictment included serious violations under Articles 84, 86, 90, and 94 of the Pharmacy Law No. 367/94, Articles 105, 108, 109, 111, and 114 of the Consumer Protection Law No. 659/2005, in addition to articles of the Penal Code (683, 702, 704, 714, and 770), and articles of Decree 156/1983.
Investigation sources indicate that the seizures included counterfeit contact lenses, expired creams, perfumes and skin products, and medicines of unknown origin that do not bear data documenting their scientific composition or country of origin, which makes them unsuitable for use and poses a serious danger to the health of citizens.
After prosecuting the network members, Judge Sader referred the file to Judge Nada Al-Asmar to conduct the necessary interrogations and summon experts and suppliers, in preparation for expanding the scope of the investigation to determine smuggling routes and sources of funding.
At the same time, the “Information Division” continues its operations to track down those who are at large and potential suspects.
This case is one of the most important health and judicial files that once again highlights the danger of the trade in counterfeit medicines and cosmetics, and the importance of cooperation and coordination between the security services and the Public Prosecution in combating crimes that affect the health and safety of Lebanese society.
source: 961 today
