Lebanese Armed Forces’ units, deployed in the Bekaa and the North, have arrested six Lebanese citizens and one Syrian national, foiling their attempt to smuggle fuel and flour to the Syrian territories, the Army Command – Directorate of Orientation said on Friday.

“The army seized nearly 9,480 liters of gasoline and around 460 liters of diesel oil in addition to 50 tons of flour, all loaded in a pickup truck,” the LAF said in a statement, noting that four vans and a motorcycle were also seized.

The seized materials were handed over to the competent authorities and an investigation was launched with the detainees under the supervision of the competent judiciary.

Smuggling occurs in both directions, but smuggling from Lebanon to Syria has become more common with deteriorating economic conditions in the two countries and in light of the sanctions imposed on Syria.

This includes smuggling basic goods subsidized by the Lebanese state such as flour, fuel and medicine. There are also illegal routes for smuggling stolen cars. Products smuggled to Syria also include raw materials for manufacturing and vehicle spare parts.