Beirut: Finance Minister Yassine Jaber praised Beirut Customs' Anti-Narcotics and Anti-Money Laundering Unit for seizing 3.5 tonnes of narcotics that were destined to be smuggled to an African country, describing the operation as evidence of the customs administration's effectiveness when provided with the necessary resources and support.

According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Jaber commended the professionalism and vigilance of customs officers, saying investment in personnel through training, capacity building, and modern technology was essential to strengthening customs enforcement and keeping pace with increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods.

He said the government's customs reform plan focuses on modernizing the administration, upgrading human resources, and enhancing technical and oversight capabilities to improve efficiency, protect the national economy, and restore the confidence of regional and international partners in Lebanon's ports and legal border crossings. He added that the reforms aim to create a secure and reliable environment for trade, encourage investment, and reinforce Lebanon's standing as a trading partner committed to high standards of compliance and transparency.