Sydney Drug Kingpin Bilal Haouchar Jailed in Lebanon for Drug Offences

Bilal Haouchar, a Sydney drug kingpin, is sentenced to eight years in Lebanon on drug charges, alongside Abdul Baghdadi who received seven years. NSW Police emphasize cooperation with Lebanese authorities and send a strong warning to criminals abroad: escape is not guaranteed.

Bilal Haouchar, a 39-year-old alleged drug kingpin from Sydney, has been sentenced to eight years in prison in Lebanon on drug trafficking and money laundering charges, according to New South Wales (NSW) Police. His arrest comes as a clear signal to other criminals that they can’t evade justice simply by fleeing abroad. Alongside him, Abdul Baghdadi was handed a seven-year sentence after NSW Police provided critical evidence to Lebanese authorities.

Haouchar previously fled Australia back in 2018 while under investigation for kidnapping but is believed to have continued controlling the drug trade from abroad. Authorities assert that he has maintained his grip on operations despite being thousands of miles away. Baghdadi’s arrest followed a shooting incident outside a unit in Kirribilli, and he was also linked to Haouchar’s alleged criminal network.

NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein commented on the effectiveness of their international investigations. He emphasized that Sydney detectives would “stop at nothing” to dismantle these drug syndicates. The evidence shared with Lebanese security led to swift actions in Beirut, demonstrating effective collaboration between international law enforcement.

Weinstein also sent a strong warning to criminals thinking of fleeing: “You can run but you cannot hide.” He reassured the community that NSW Police, in conjunction with various partner agencies, is dedicated to mopping up organized crime and will continue pursuing offenders, regardless of where they may escape to.

Following Haouchar’s case, police had been closely monitoring his associates back home in Sydney. Their efforts resulted in a large-scale crackdown last year, where around 40 arrests were made, leading to the seizure of significant quantities of drugs, firearms, and cash. Despite being abroad, Haouchar remains a focal point in an ongoing investigation into Sydney’s crime scene.

Lebanon has become a common destination for certain Australian criminals seeking refuge, exploiting their dual citizenship status. Several other crime figures from Sydney’s infamous Hamzy and Alameddine families have also relocated to Lebanon over recent years, further complicating law enforcement’s task. One notable example is Rafat Alameddine, wanted in Australia for conspiring to murder two members of the Hamzy family. This trend of criminals fleeing to areas beyond Australia underscores a growing challenge in tracking and apprehending wanted individuals.

The sentencing of Bilal Haouchar and Abdul Baghdadi in Lebanon marks a significant achievement for NSW Police in their fight against international drug trafficking. It reinforces the message that escaping to foreign nations does not guarantee safety from prosecution. With ongoing surveillance and cooperation with international agencies, authorities remain resolute in pursuing organized crime operatives, both domestically and abroad. This development serves as a stern reminder to other criminals tempted to exploit international borders as safe havens for their illicit activities.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au