BEIRUT: Customs authorities at the Beirut Port revealed Wednesday that a disassembled laboratory for mixing and refining drugs such as cocaine and heroin was seized in a major bust earlier this month.
Acting Director of Customs at the Beirut Port Shafiq Merhi said the customs department, in collaboration with the Drug Control Bureau, foiled an attempt to smuggle the various components of a laboratory for the manufacture of drugs into Lebanon.
Speaking at a news conference at Beirut port, Merhi said the shipment, which came from China, was intercepted at Beirut port 10 days ago.
He said the seized components were to be used to produce cocaine, heroin and a type of fenethylline called Captagon. They were shipped to Lebanon disguised as motorcycle parts and engine oils.
“The shipment was seized after the unloading of motorcycle parts that turned out to be instruments specially designed to produce drugs,” Merhi said.
The instruments, he added, make up an “massive and comprehensive laboratory for the manufacture of drugs.”
He said five persons have been arrested in connection with the bust and that three more individuals are still being pursued by police.

The Daily Star  – Wednesday 12  September  2012