Traditional smuggling trade of Syrian goods flourishing and out of control

In its issue of today, As Safir daily devoted an article to portray the very old and uncontrollable phenomenon of smuggling of Syrian goods into Lebanon, mainly potato, dairy products, cheeses, livestock, eggs, vegetables, clothes and cigarettes. Quoting reports by concerned anti-smuggling authorities, the newspaper indicated that smuggling dealers are almost untouchable, possessing an infrastructure that surpasses that of the national security apparatus, while also pointing out the historically weak state authority at the Lebanese-Syrian border area. 

To get more insight on the subject, As Safir interviewed a number of villagers in the region who stated that tens of tons of vegetable items are currently being brought in illegally brought into Lebanon, at a time of worsening economic conditions and difficulties in exporting Lebanese agricultural goods. The newspaper also called attention to the ‘uncontrolled’ Kaseer and Ka3 border crossings which play a major role in smuggling activities. A number of badly affected Lebanese farmers told As Safir that bulks of boxes of eggs, fruits and veggies find their way into Lebanon through the Northern Beqaa border crossings. On the other side, a number of borderline town inhabitants expressed their support to what they termed the ‘smuggling profession’ that has been enforced by geography and inherited within families. )As Safir, February 26, 2016(