Exclusive: Hezbollah Likely to Increase Drug Trafficking in Europe to Solve Financial Crisis

Following the targeting of financial institutions linked to Hezbollah in Lebanon by the Israeli army and their destruction, U.S. officials warn that this Iran-backed group may increase its illegal drug sales activities in Europe. Law enforcement officials told the English section of Voice of America that Hezbollah, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, may face greater challenges in intensifying its drug trafficking activities in Europe. Some American and Lebanese officials have informed Voice of America that this Iran-supported group is severely troubled and grappling with a financial crisis due to the elimination of its leaders and repeated attacks on its financial infrastructure by the Israeli army. Several former American officials have also mentioned that sources in Europe have observed that Hezbollah's willingness to sell drugs in various European countries has significantly increased this month. An international law enforcement official, speaking anonymously to Voice of America last Friday, stated that given Hezbollah's serious financial problems, there is no doubt that organized crime groups associated with this group would seek to intensify drug trafficking. The Biden administration has previously imposed a series of sanctions on individuals and entities linked to Hezbollah as part of its efforts to disrupt the illicit revenue streams of the group and dismantle its financial support networks. New U.S. sanctions against Hezbollah's financial networks and the Syrian government. Israeli Foreign Minister: IRGC and Hamas are trying to smuggle weapons and money to the West Bank. The King of Jordan called for Arab countries to combat drug and arms trafficking. Jordan's airstrike against Iranian-linked traffickers inside Syrian territory. The United States sanctioned key Hezbollah figures in South America and Lebanon.