An international network for smuggling counterfeit cancer drugs has been busted in Lebanon, with several involved individuals, including officers and officials, being arrested.
Lebanese security and judicial investigations have revealed alarming details regarding an organized network smuggling counterfeit medicines, including treatments for cancer patients. Those involved include individuals from security and pharmaceutical sectors, including the brother of former Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil and officers from the Internal Security Forces.
Secret Investigations and Political Pressures
According to "Al Arabiya.net/Al Hadath.net," judicial sources reported that the case was referred to the Financial Public Prosecutor Judge Dora Khazen, who remained silent amidst pressure to prevent leaks. Investigations were temporarily halted due to the Eid al-Adha holiday and are set to resume next Tuesday.
Key Suspects and Escape of the Former Minister's Brother's Wife
Preliminary investigations revealed that Mohammad Hassan Khalil (brother of former Minister Ali Hassan Khalil) and his wife Maria Fawaz (who manages a pharmacy in Al-Maadi neighborhood - southern suburb) are among the main suspects. Fawaz fled to Georgia after her pharmacy was closed. Additionally, an officer from the Internal Security Forces and a drug dealer were arrested, with expectations of more arrests.
Former Minister Ali Hassan Khalil (close to the Amal Movement) denied any involvement in the case, stating in a statement on the IMEX platform that the issue "is a legal matter concerning his brother and ex-wife."
Counterfeit Cancer Drugs and Smuggling through Beirut Airport
Investigations revealed the substitution of Ministry of Health cancer drugs with counterfeit ones sold at high prices, leaving patients with ineffective medications. Officers' involvement in the smuggling network, especially through Beirut Airport, was highlighted, along with another woman linked to Khalil's wife.
Roots of the Crisis: From 2019 to Economic Collapse
Jo Ghraib, head of pharmaceutical importers in Lebanon, confirmed that the crisis began with the dollar shortage in 2019, but the union did not realize the extent of the disaster due to market chaos. Examinations showed that medicines entering during that period were expired or lacked active ingredients.
Ghraib pointed out that the source of smuggled medicines is from Turkey, Egypt, and Britain, while Syria imports "unregistered" medicines due to not meeting the Health Ministry's requirements. He called for the Health Ministry and Pharmacists Syndicate to take responsibility for regulating non-compliant pharmacies.
Emergency Meeting of the Parliamentary Health Committee
The Parliamentary Health Committee held an emergency meeting with the Ministers of Health, Justice, Defense, and Interior, along with security leaders, to devise a plan to combat the spread of counterfeit drugs. MP Bilal Abdullah warned that the network exploited the economic crisis and border control vacuum, cautioning that unmonitored drugs "pose a deadly threat."
Threat to Healthcare System and Calls for Reform
The issue goes beyond commercial fraud, affecting the lives of thousands of patients, according to experts. With official and security entities implicated, questions arise about the need for a comprehensive reform of the pharmaceutical import sector and enhancing transparency.
