The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division reported that "as a result of the continuous monitoring conducted by the Internal Security Forces to combat crimes in various Lebanese areas and to track down those involved, information was received by the Information Division regarding an unidentified individual transporting weapons and ammunition in the Baalbek area. Immediately, the specialized units in the division initiated field and investigative measures to apprehend him. As a result of investigations and inquiries, they were able to identify him as: A. Q. S. (born in 1997, Lebanese). Orders were given to locate him and monitor him for prompt apprehension.
On 21-05-2023, after a careful surveillance operation, one of the division's patrols managed to spot him in a blue “Volvo” vehicle in the area of Sahl Ras Baalbek. They set up a close ambush in the area that resulted in his arrest, along with his mother, identified as Z. S. (born in 1964, Lebanese). During a search of the vehicle, /18/ military rifles of the type "Kalashnikov," one rifle of type "FAL," and /167/ magazines were found cleverly concealed under the rear seat of the car and in the dashboard. His cell phone and his mother’s phone were also seized.
During the investigation with them, the first individual confessed that he had been transporting military weapons and ammunition for someone in the Baalbek area using the vehicle he was arrested in, for a monetary fee, and that the weapons he possessed were loaded in the Homs area and hidden under the rear seat and in the dashboard of the car, which was previously configured for him by the mentioned individual. He added that this was the second time he had transported weapons and ammunition, and he confessed that his mother was aware of his actions and accompanied him to avoid being stopped at security checkpoints. During the investigation with his mother, she admitted to the accusations against her.
The “Volvo” vehicle was legally seized, and the military weapons were transferred to the Information Division. Legal proceedings were undertaken against the two detainees, and they were referred to the competent authority based on judicial instructions, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other involved parties."
