Australian Fugitive Bilal Haouchar Jailed in Lebanon for Drug Charges

Bilal Haouchar, an Australian fugitive, was sentenced to eight years in a Lebanese prison for drug charges, while Abdul Baghdadi received a seven-year sentence. This action follows evidence from NSW Police and signals a robust international effort to tackle organized crime. Police are committed to pursuing fugitives beyond Australia’s borders.

Bilal Haouchar, a 39-year-old Australian fugitive, has been sentenced to eight years in prison in Lebanon for drug-related charges, according to New South Wales (NSW) Police. Haouchar, who is accused of directing the Sydney drug trade from overseas, was jailed last week alongside Abdul Baghdadi, who received a seven-year sentence for similar offenses. This legal action follows evidence provided by NSW Police to Lebanese authorities, highlighting the international reach of organized crime.

Haouchar vacated Australia in 2018 while awaiting kidnapping charges, yet police believe he maintained his grip on the Sydney drug market during his time abroad. Baghdadi, also tied to Haouchar’s criminal activities, was captured in Lebanon shortly after fleeing Australia due to a shooting incident near his residence in Kirribilli. The swift legal proceedings in Beirut underscore ongoing efforts to combat drug syndicates.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein emphasized the determination of detectives to dismantle international drug networks. He stated, “This investigation sends an unequivocal message… anyone who thinks they can profit by bringing illegal activities to our shores… should reconsider their actions.” Weinstein asserted that the NSW Police Force, in syndication with various agencies, remains committed to combating organized crime effectively.

The arrests of Haouchar and Baghdadi come amidst a broader strategy to address the rising number of Australian criminals escaping to regions like Lebanon to evade justice. Police have meticulously monitored Haouchar’s associates, leading to the capture of 40 individuals in a concerted operation last year, which yielded a significant amount of narcotics and weapons.

Moreover, Haouchar’s flight is part of a disturbing trend among Sydney crime figures, many of whom have sought refuge in Lebanon, leveraging dual citizenship to avoid extradition. Notably, other members of the Hamzy and Alameddine crime families have also relocated to Lebanon, creating concerns within law enforcement about transnational crime.

Haouchar and Baghdadi’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice by NSW authorities. The recent case echoes similar prior successes, including last year’s apprehension of wanted drug importer Hakan Ayik in Türkiye, reinforcing the message that evading consequences for crime is becoming increasingly difficult, even beyond national borders.

The jailing of Bilal Haouchar and Abdul Baghdadi in Lebanon marks a significant step for NSW Police in their enduring fight against international drug syndicates. The ongoing commitment of law enforcement to track down fugitives, no matter where they seek refuge, sends a clear message: criminals cannot escape justice. The developments signal a tightening net around organized crime figures who may consider fleeing abroad.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au