Sydney Drug Kingpin Bilal Haouchar Sentenced in Lebanon: A Warning to Criminals Globally

Bilal Haouchar, a fugitive accused of controlling Sydney’s drug trade from Lebanon, has been sentenced to eight years in prison. Another Australian, Abdul Baghdadi, received a seven-year sentence. NSW Police emphasize their commitment to tackling international drug syndicates, sending a warning that criminals cannot elude justice, even when they flee overseas.

Bilal Haouchar, a 39-year-old accused of orchestrating the Sydney drug trade from abroad, has been jailed for eight years in Lebanon, as indicated by New South Wales (NSW) Police. Haouchar and another Australian, Abdul Baghdadi, received sentences in a Beirut court last week, emphasizing the collaboration between NSW Police and Lebanese authorities in tackling international drug crime.

Haouchar’s legal troubles stretch back to 2018 when he fled Australia while facing kidnapping charges. Despite being overseas, authorities allege he has maintained a stronghold over Sydney’s drug operations. Baghdadi, who was arrested shortly after fleeing Australia due to his ties to Haouchar’s network, received a seven-year sentence.

NSW Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Jason Weinstein stated this operation serves as a warning to overseas criminals. “You can run but you cannot hide,” he asserted, highlighting the ongoing determination of law enforcement to dismantle international drug syndicates. The investigations signal a significant commitment from NSW Police and partner agencies to combat organized crime.

As part of the broader crackdown, police have been surveilling Haouchar’s associates in Sydney. Last year’s major operation resulted in 40 arrests and the seizure of substantial quantities of drugs, firearms, and cash. Haouchar is not alone; many other crime figures have sought refuge in Lebanon, including members of the Hamzy and Alameddine families, who are trying to evade prosecution in Australia.

This ongoing trend reflects a concerning tactic favored by Australian criminals who often utilize their dual citizenship to escape extradition. The capture of drug importer Hakan Ayik in Türkiye last year showcased the potential for international cooperation in apprehending those wanted for serious offenses on Australian soil.

With several criminals attempting to evade justice by fleeing overseas, the message from law enforcement remains clear: they will pursue these individuals relentlessly across borders, ensuring that there are no safe havens for those involved in organized crime.

Bilal Haouchar and Abdul Baghdadi’s recent sentences illustrate the determined efforts by NSW Police to combat international drug operations. Despite fleeing to Lebanon, both individuals were ultimately brought to justice, emphasizing that crime does not pay. The ongoing watch on Haouchar’s network and the increased vigilance of law enforcement highlight a proactive approach to stopping organized crime from reaching Australian shores.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au