Lebanese president calls for effort against drug smuggling after Saudi ban

"We are confident that Saudi Arabia and all the Gulf countries know well that a ban on Lebanese produce will not stop drug smuggling and cooperation between us will help stop these networks," he said.

President Michel Aoun asked Lebanon's security forces to step up operations against smuggling after Saudi Arabia banned imports of Lebanese produce due to what it called a rise in the illicit drug trade.

Aoun spoke at the start of a meeting on the topic with caretaker prime minister Hassan Diab. Saudi Arabia announced on Friday a ban on imports of fruits and vegetables from Lebanon, citing an increase in drug smuggling, in a measure that will add to Lebanon's economic woes. The fruit and vegetable trade is worth $24 million annually.

Diab said on Monday Lebanon stood ready to fight smuggling networks with Saudi Arabia but that a ban would not prevent it. "We are confident that Saudi Arabia and all the Gulf countries know well that a ban on Lebanese produce will not stop drug smuggling and cooperation between us will help stop these networks," he said.