The name 'Doctor Food', legally known as George Hanna Deeb, has resurfaced in the spotlight as he faces charges linked to drug manufacturing and trafficking. This comes after a new legal development, where he received a life sentence of hard labor in absentia, relating to a case that dates back over two years.
On Thursday, the Mount Lebanon Criminal Court, headed by Judge Elie Al-Hala and comprising advisors Rania Rahme and Nour Al-Hout, with the presence of a public prosecutor representative, issued an absentia judgment for life hard labor sentencing George Hanna Deeb, aka 'Doctor Food', and several others involved in a drug case.
The ruling also implicated Kamel Abbas Ramadan, Abdul Karim Zahir Al-Salem, Ahmed Dolaf Al-Youssef, and Hassan Atiya Diab, among other defendants, under Article 150 of the Drug Law. Additionally, each sentenced individual faces a fine of 120 million Lebanese Lira and is stripped of their civil rights in accordance with legal norms.
The Case Originated Over Two Years Ago
Judicial affairs editor for 'Wardna', Farah Mansour, explains that the case stretches back more than two years when a truck loaded with 'wafer' products from the 'Doctor Food' brand was intercepted on its way to Turkey, revealing smuggled narcotics hidden within.
This discovery led security agencies to commence investigations, charging George Hanna Deeb and others with accusations tied to drug manufacturing, smuggling, and trafficking across borders, thereby launching an extensive judicial probe.
From Investigation to Absentia Verdict
Mansour indicates that the investigation judge released an indictment in February 2026, concluding that sufficient evidence existed to transfer the accused to the Mount Lebanon Criminal Court, thus commencing legal proceedings.
Throughout the court hearings, George Hanna Deeb failed to appear, prompting the tribunal to continue proceedings in his absence, culminating in an absentia verdict in March 2026.
Mansour notes that the severity of the verdict, including life hard labor, was also attributed to the defendant's failure to present himself before the court, remaining in hiding and leading to the continuation of absentia proceedings and sentencing.
What Does an Absentia Verdict Entail?
According to Mansour, the verdict is not final in terms of potential retrial, as it is an absentia ruling. The convicted can appeal within a legal timeframe if they choose to surrender and appear in court.
If the judgment is circulated among security agencies, George Hanna Deeb risks arrest upon entering Lebanese territory, whether through Rafic Hariri International Airport or any legal entry point, due to the enforceable judicial sentence.
Mansour clarifies that Lebanese law allows a convicted individual in absentia to request a retrial upon surrender, nullifying the effects of the absent judgment and facilitating a new trial in presence, whereby a new decision will be rendered based on trial proceedings and evidence, potentially affirming, modifying, or annulling the prior conviction if legal grounds permit.
What Lies Ahead?
With the issuance of the ruling, the case's fate hinges on George Hanna Deeb's next move. His failure to return to Lebanon leaves the absentia judgment in force, while appearing in court would open the door for a retrial per applicable legal procedures.