Lebanese authorities have re-arrested French drug dealer Abdel Karim Tawil two days after he was released on bail, as part of a case involving the smuggling of cocaine shipments between several countries, a judicial source told AFP on Friday. The source indicated that Tawil "is now in custody again and has been placed in the judiciary police facility in Beirut." It was noted that the Lebanese judiciary "will request French authorities to send a request for his extradition for review and decision," explaining that the "re-arrest decision was made after the release decision caused discontent among French authorities."
Lebanese authorities detained Tawil upon his arrival at Beirut Airport on Sunday based on a Red Notice issued by Interpol against him, but released him three days later on bail, confiscated his passport, and prohibited him from traveling. Tawil's defense attorney Philippe Aouayan stated on Friday to AFP, "It is clear that the French government is exerting maximum pressure in this case instead of cooperating judicially in a healthy manner."
