The collapse of Syria's army has flooded the country with firearms, pushing Lebanese gun dealers to profit by purchasing cheap guns and smuggling them into Lebanon, security and political sources in Beirut said on Wednesday, Report informs via The National.
“There is widespread availability of guns in Syria, and they're being sold on the black market for cheap prices. The price of an AK-47, for example, is around $25,” the security source told The National.
“The Lebanese market is flooded with Syrian firearms, as many dealers are traveling to Syria to purchase weapons and smuggle them into Lebanon. The northern region of the country is now full of Syrian arms,” the source explained.
The source added that about 3,000 pieces had already been smuggled through illegal border crossings, especially in the north. “The majority are made in China. They have the Syrian flag printed on them, so the dealers are searching those off and offering them back in the Lebanese market for around $500 the piece.”
A political source in Beirut confirmed the “sudden flow” of firearms from Syria in recent days, adding that “the state is aware and is worried about the consequences”.
The Ministry of Interior did not immediately respond to requests for comment.