Lebanese Armed Forces’ units, deployed in the Bekaa, arrested on April 14 and 15 two citizens as they attempted to smuggle fuel and other commodities into the Syrian territories, the Army Command – Directorate of Orientation said on Friday.

“The army seized around 1,750 liters of diesel oil, 1,520 liters of gasoline, 700 kg of gas, 15 tons of subsidized sugar and a quantity of cigarettes,” the LAF said in a statement, noting that a fuel tanker, a truck and two vehicles used by smugglers were also seized.

The seized materials were handed to the competent authorities and an investigation was launched with the detainees, the statement added.

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.