6/1/2026
Issued by the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement:
Recently, news circulated in some media outlets and on social media regarding the death of an inmate at Roumieh Central Prison, approximately one week after the death of another inmate at the same prison. It was alleged that the cause of death was due to the spread of tuberculosis within the prison. The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces wishes to clarify the following: 1- On December 27, 2025, the on-duty doctor at Roumieh Central Prison – Juvenile Detention Center – examined inmate H.B. Born in 1986, of Palestinian nationality, he was diagnosed with general deterioration and had vomited several times, necessitating his immediate transfer to a hospital for treatment. 2- On the same date, while at Al-Hayat Hospital awaiting the results of an X-ray and after his condition had improved, he suffered a sudden and severe heart attack and subsequently passed away. 3- After the forensic doctor examined the body, it was determined that the cause of death was sudden cardiac arrest. Traces of injections were found in his upper thighs (femoral artery). Laboratory tests were negative for the use of any narcotics or prohibited substances. He was suffering from mild inflammation and a slight decrease in his white blood cell count. 4- Investigations revealed that the deceased inmate had been drawing a quantity of his own blood and mixing it with some powdered medication—the type of which has not yet been determined due to pending test results—before injecting it into himself via the femoral artery. This led to complications affecting his heart and lungs. This information was provided by two inmates who had also been using this method of injection. Following the death of the aforementioned inmate, they approached the prison administration seeking assistance, fearing for their own health. On December 29, 30, and 31, 2025, in coordination with the security forces, specialized teams from the Ministry of Public Health reviewed the files of inmates transferred from the juvenile detention center to hospitals, including (H.B.). X-rays were also performed on every inmate exhibiting a cough or any other health symptom, and all results were negative. It was also found that the tuberculosis (TB) and cholera tests were negative for everyone. Therefore, there is no outbreak of TB, cholera, or any other epidemic in Roumieh Prison.
The investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the competent judicial authorities.
Issued by the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts by Internal Security Forces units to combat crime in various regions and apprehend perpetrators, particularly those involved in robbery, pickpocketing, and motorcycle theft, a patrol from the Beirut Investigation Detachment of the Beirut Police Unit in the Ras al-Nabaa area became suspicious of a man attempting to steal a white NMAX motorcycle parked in the area. The patrol immediately apprehended him in the act. He was identified as: - R. Sh. (born in 1991, Palestinian) During questioning, he confessed to the attempted theft of the motorcycle. He also admitted to previously stealing several motorcycles, transporting them to the Burj al-Barajneh camp to sell them, and then using the proceeds to buy and use drugs. The stolen bicycle was returned to its owner, and (R. Sh.) deposited the item in question to take the necessary legal action against him based on the instructions of the competent judiciary.
28/1/2026
Issued by the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces - Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the daily monitoring conducted by the Internal Security Forces to combat motorcycle thefts in various Lebanese regions, orders were given to the specialized units within the Information Division to intensify their patrols in areas where such thefts are frequent, to identify those involved, and to arrest them. On January 15, 2026, as a result of surveillance and monitoring operations, one of the Division's patrols suspected an unknown individual of stealing a motorcycle in the Kahaleh area by breaking its handlebars. An ambush was immediately set up, and he was arrested in the area after attempting to flee. He was identified as: - E. Sh. (Born in 1999, Lebanese) During questioning, he confessed to the charges against him, specifically that he attempted to steal the motorcycle in the Kahaleh neighborhood by breaking its handlebars, and that he intended to sell it to someone in the Sabra neighborhood. He also admitted to using cocaine, stating that he had used it prior to his arrest. The necessary legal procedures were carried out, and he was referred to the relevant authorities, as directed by the competent judicial body.
28/1/2026
Issued by the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: Further to our previous statement, issued on January 15, 2026, concerning the seizure of a Captagon manufacturing facility in Tell Abyad, Baalbek. Following cooperation between the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Central Narcotics Bureau of the Judicial Police Unit, and the Saudi Ministry of Interior, represented by the General Directorate of Narcotics Control, and as a result of an exchange of information indicating the activity of individuals involved in manufacturing narcotics, particularly Captagon pills, in the Tell Abyad area, where a factory, warehouse, and quantity of raw materials for this purpose were located. Consequently, a force from the Special Group and the Strike Force of the Information Division, in coordination with and with the support of the Lebanese Army, conducted a security operation in the Tell Abyad area of Baalbek, which resulted in the seizure of a Captagon manufacturing facility, a quantity of narcotics, weapons, and prohibited materials. As a result of immediate follow-up, it was determined that the owner of this facility is: - R. J. (Born in 1987, Lebanese) Wanted on 23 warrants for crimes including drug manufacturing and trafficking, arms trafficking, forming criminal gangs, and others. His residence has been identified; he lives with his family, father, and employees in a complex of adjacent buildings connected to the warehouse and factory. Following a meticulous surveillance operation and a thorough security assessment of the site, a comprehensive plan was devised. The factory was raided in a swift operation at dawn on January 15, 2026. The owner and his son, (A.J., born 2008), were arrested for their involvement in drug-related crimes. Also arrested were his father, (A.J., born 1956), who was wanted on seven outstanding warrants; his assistant, (M.M., born 2000, Syrian), who was wanted on two warrants; and (A.H., born 2008, Lebanese). The following items were seized: a Captagon pill manufacturing facility concealed within a fully locked room in a professionally executed and well-camouflaged manner; mixing and kneading equipment; over one hundred metal printing heads used to press the pills; three generators; and approximately thirteen cardboard boxes of the drug "Kinaquino," used as a standalone narcotic or in combination with Captagon. Weighing approximately 20 kg, a burlap sack containing marijuana, a quantity of hashish, 11 different firearms with various types of ammunition, liquid substances used as precursors in drug manufacturing (approximately 4 large containers), bags containing a white powder used in the manufacture of Captagon, 820 Tramadol tablets, and an amount of cash were seized. The necessary legal procedures were carried out against them, the warehouse was sealed with red wax, and two vehicles connected to the criminal network's activities were impounded. The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces appreciates the cooperation with the General Directorate of Drug Control in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which led to these results.
28/1/2026
Issued by the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations DivisionThe following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts carried out by the Internal Security Forces to pursue perpetrators of all types of crimes across the various Lebanese regions and apprehend them, information was obtained regarding an unidentified individual involved in snatch theft operations in the governorates of Beirut and Mount Lebanon. Accordingly, the Information Branch intensified its field and intelligence measures. As a result of extensive investigations and inquiries, his identity was revealed as follows:H. A. (born in 1997, Lebanese national), who has a criminal record involving snatch theft, theft, robbery, and drug-related offenses. On 19/01/2026, following a precise surveillance and monitoring operation, a patrol from the aforementioned branch succeeded in arresting him in the Airport Road area while riding a black GR-type motorcycle, which was seized. A search of the suspect and the motorcycle led to the seizure of the following items: An envelope labeled ADVIL containing one pill An envelope labeled ROMIPRIL containing 22 pills A white container labeled AMOCLAN containing white pills A plastic container labeled DJGMAX containing white pills A white plastic container labeled DEPAKINE Very small white stone-like fragments Two plastic containers containing a white stone-like substance Three stolen mobile phones, leather bags and personal belongings (stolen), and a sum of money in various currencies During the investigation, he confessed to the charges attributed to him, including carrying out numerous snatch thefts of bags and mobile phones in Beirut and the following areas: the southern suburbs, Ouzai, Bir Hassan, Haret Hreik, Hay el-Sellom, Airport Road, Ghobeiry, and Mreijeh. He also admitted to discarding documents in garbage containers and spending the stolen money on personal pleasures and drug use. The detainee, the motorcycle, and the seized items were handed over to the concerned unit to carry out the required legal procedures, upon instructions from the competent judicial authority.
26/1/2026