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In a significant development for Lebanon’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking, the Lebanese army has apprehended Noah Zaitar, a notorious drug lord with a lengthy criminal history. This arrest follows sanctions imposed by the U.S. State Department due to his suspected involvement in drug trafficking networks linked to Syria.
The military confirmed Zaitar’s capture via a post on social media platform X, where he was identified only by his initials, NZ. After a series of meticulously planned operations, security forces ambushed Zaitar in the city of Baalbek, located in the eastern Baalbek-Hermel governorate. This arrest concludes a prolonged pursuit for one of the most wanted individuals in Lebanon.
Details of the arrest
Security officials reported that Zaitar was taken into custody following careful surveillance operations. The Lebanese military characterized him as a dangerous figure with numerous arrest warrants for various offenses, including forming armed gangs involved in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and other violent crimes such as robbery and kidnapping. The military noted that Zaitar had previously fired upon army personnel and civilians, emphasizing the threat he posed.
Background on Noah Zaitar
Primarily operating in the Bekaa Valley near the Syrian border, Zaitar allegedly managed a vast drug empire that produced and exported synthetic narcotics, particularly the stimulant captagon. His criminal activities extended beyond drug manufacturing; in 2025, a military tribunal sentenced him to death for the murder of a Lebanese soldier. Despite this, he evaded capture for years, hiding in his home village of Kneisseh and relying on armed supporters for protection.
In 2025, Zaitar was specifically named in sanctions by the U.S. Department of State, which highlighted his connections to the Fourth Division of the Syrian Arab Army, an elite unit heavily involved in the captagon trade. Additionally, he was accused of providing substantial support to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, complicating Lebanon’s security landscape.
Impact of Zaitar’s arrest
The apprehension of Zaitar occurs at a crucial moment as Lebanese authorities intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking within the country. The military’s recent actions include a series of raids targeting narcotics operations, particularly in regions near the porous Lebanese-Syrian border. The arrest represents a potential turning point in Lebanon’s ongoing struggle to address the rampant drug trade that has plagued the nation.
Recent conflicts and fatalities
During these operations, the Lebanese military has faced significant challenges. On November 18, 2025, two soldiers, identified as Bilal al-Baradi and Ali Haidar, were killed during clashes with drug suspects while conducting raids in Baalbek. Their deaths highlight the ongoing risks faced by security forces in the fight against drug trafficking.
Additionally, another individual, referred to as HAJ, was killed after engaging in a firefight with security forces during a raid. This individual was wanted for multiple serious offenses, including the murder of four soldiers, kidnapping, and theft. The situation underscores the violent environment surrounding drug trafficking in the region.
Alongside Zaitar’s arrest, authorities have detained two other suspects, identified as FM and GQ, for drug promotion and possession of weapons in the Akkar governorate. This further illustrates the extensive network of drug-related crime in Lebanon.
Overall, Zaitar’s capture is a notable achievement for Lebanon’s military and law enforcement agencies as they continue to confront the pervasive issue of drug trafficking that threatens the stability and security of the nation.