Crew of Lutfallah 2 weapon–laden cargo ship intercepted at Selaata port to stand trial

Crew of the Lutfallah 2 container ship would have to stand trial on charges of illegal gun-running, NNA field reporters at Selaata seaport/Batroun disclosed today.        

All 3 containers on board the ship bound for an undisclosed destination, carried a large consignment of heavy and light weapons, reporters added. The 10 crew members and Tripoli seaport -based customs' agent Ahmad Bernard have been detained for questioning pending their cross-examination by the concerned judicial authorities.        

The Lebanese Navy intercepted the cargo ship on Friday, because of suspicions that it was  carrying 3 containers of weapons headed to Syria, security sources said.      

The vessel "Lutfallah II", which bears the Egyptian flag, was forced to dock at Selaata port, 50 kilometres north of Beirut, where its cargo was inspected, the sources said.       

The ship originally set sail from Libya and called at the north Egyptian port city of Alexandria.      

The Lebanese army reinforced its troops at Selaata port bringing in more personnel and equipment.     

Syrian authorities have repeatedly claimed that weapons were being smuggled from Lebanon into Syria to assist rebels seeking the ouster of President Bashar Assad.