Full Breakdown
Lebanese Food Influencer Georges Dib Arrested on Drug-Trafficking Charges
8/27/2026, 10:21:38 PM
Arrest of Influencer Georges Dib
Lebanese authorities detained Georges Hanna Dib, known online as “Doctor Food,” at his residence in Rahbeh, Akkar, on August 23, 2026. The Internal Security Forces’ Halba Judicial Detachment carried out the operation after about a month of surveillance. Dib faces two warrants for manufacturing, trafficking and smuggling narcotics concealed in confectionery products linked to his businesses.
Background of Drug-Trafficking Allegations
A 2024 investigation uncovered approximately 820 kilograms of hashish hidden inside cakes and sweets. A judicial source said the drugs were stored near Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport and that packaging used in the operation was produced in the Charawneh neighborhood of Baalbeck, Bekaa Valley.
Mount Lebanon investigating judge Ziad Dghaidy charged Dib in 2024. An arrest warrant was issued in May 2024 and circulated to Interpol. In February 2025 the prosecutor sought a life sentence with hard labour; the Mount Lebanon Criminal Court sentenced Dib in absentia to life imprisonment with hard labour in July 2026.
Key Figures
- Georges Hanna Dib – Lebanese food influencer with more than eight million TikTok followers; owner of confectionery businesses accused of drug-smuggling.
- Ziad Dghaidy – Investigating judge who issued the 2024 warrant and pursued the life-sentence request.
- Lebanese Internal Security Forces – Agency that executed the August 23 raid.
Timeline
- May 2024 – Judge Dghaidy issues arrest warrant; shared with Interpol.
- 2024 – Seizure of ~820 kg hashish hidden in confectionery; links to Dib’s packaging facilities.
- February 2025 – Prosecutor requests life imprisonment with hard labour.
- July 2026 – Court convicts Dib in absentia, sentencing him to life imprisonment with hard labour.
- August 7, 2026 – Social-media reports mistakenly claim a different “George Dib” was arrested; later corrected.
- August 23, 2026 – Internal Security Forces arrest Dib at his Akkar home.
Data & Statistics
- 8+ million TikTok followers.
- 820 kg (1,800 lb) of hashish seized in 2024.
- Life imprisonment with hard labour imposed in absentia (July 2026).
Official Statements & Responses
The Internal Security Forces said Dib repeatedly changed vehicles and telephone numbers to hinder investigators, and that his online postings helped locate him. Judicial sources confirmed the narcotics were concealed inside packaging for cakes and biscuits associated with Dib’s brands, intended for export.
Dib denied the allegations, asserting the branded products involved were counterfeit and urging followers not to believe the accusations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
An early August 2026 claim identified a “George Dib” arrested in a separate case as Doctor Food. MTV Lebanon clarified the report was false and that the two individuals shared a similar name. The August 23 arrest of Dib was later verified. No independent forensic details about the seized narcotics have been released.
What’s Next
Lebanese authorities indicated Dib will face a new trial, though a hearing date has not been announced. The case comes as the government tightens controls at Beirut’s airport and port to curb drug-smuggling.
