Lebanese security forces have arrested a Saudi prince at the Rafiq Hariri International Airport in Beirut after they discovered cocaine in his possession during a routine inspection of passengers.
The 51-year-old prince, identified only by his initials Y.B.A.A., was carrying an estimated about 16.3 grams of cocaine; worth about USD 1,600. He was about to leave Lebanon for France, Beirut-based a-l Akbar daily reported on Thursday.
The Saudi prince was then taken to the Drug Control Office to undergo a full examination.
The prince reportedly told investigators that the cocaine was "for his personal use" and he "got it from a friend who is currently in Saudi Arabia."
However, judicial officials told a-l Akbar daily that the prince has apparently purchased the cocaine from a nightclub in Beirut's neighborhood of Gemmazeh.
Officials at the Saudi Embassy in Beirut were contacted and informed about the arrest. A few hours later, the Saudi user was released on bail. |