As part of its ongoing efforts to combat the smuggling and counterfeiting of tobacco products, the Regie Libanaise des Tabacs et Tombacs announced that its Anti-Trafficking Unit raided a workshop in Baalbek used for molasses counterfeiting (mu’assal) “in order to deceive consumers and generate significant profits.”
The Anti-Trafficking Unit seized counterfeit labels along with all the equipment required for the manufacturing process.
It also raided stores selling smuggled tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in the towns of Nahleh, Al-Rawda and Marj in the Bekaa, and seized the illicit goods.
Seizure reports were filed against the violators and sent to the competent judicial authorities for further action.