Lebanese food influencer sentenced to life for drug smuggling

Lebanese food influencer Georges Hanna Dib, known online as Dr Food, has been sentenced to life in prison with hard labour for drug smuggling. The verdict was delivered by Judge Elie al-Helou in Beirut, following a trial that concluded on July 19, 2026. Dib, who has over five million followers on TikTok, was convicted under Lebanon’s Narcotics Law for smuggling hashish concealed within cake packaging. The case marks another major legal action against individuals exploiting social media platforms to engage in illicit activities. The smuggling operation involved approximately 820 kilograms of hashish, which was hidden in cake packaging manufactured in Baalbek, a town located in eastern Lebanon. The drugs were transported to Turkey before being shipped internationally. According to court records, the shipment was part of a larger network involving Lebanese and Syrian nationals. These individuals were charged with manufacturing, trafficking, and smuggling narcotics, all violations covered under Lebanon’s Narcotics Law. The law allows for severe penalties, including long-term incarceration and hefty fines. Dib's sentence includes a fine of 120 million Lebanese pounds, equivalent to around $1,341. The court also revoked his civil rights, stripping him of certain privileges typically afforded to citizens. His sentencing came after a recommendation issued in February 2025 by a Mount Lebanon investigative judge, who had already charged him with the same offenses. The charges stemmed from a 2024 drug bust that uncovered the smuggling scheme. At the time, authorities seized the 820kg of hashish, highlighting the scale of the operation. Despite the conviction, Dib remains at large. He and several co-defendants were sentenced in absentia, meaning they did not appear in court during the proceedings. This practice is common in cases where suspects flee or refuse to cooperate. Dib’s legal team has yet to comment publicly on the ruling, though his social media presence suggests continued engagement with his audience. On July 19, his Instagram account posted a promotional message for a giveaway tied to his food product brand. Users who shared the message on TikTok and garnered 100,000 views were promised a reward of $100. The post appeared unrelated to the court case, indicating a possible attempt to maintain public interest in his brand despite the legal consequences. Dib’s last visible activity on social media occurred on March 27, when he posted a video from Beirut’s waterfront. In the clip, he asked displaced Lebanese residents what foods they missed and ordered meals from popular local restaurants. The content reflected his usual style, engaging with his audience while promoting his culinary interests. However, it offered no indication of awareness or response to the recent sentencing. The Bekaa Valley, where much of the hashish production took place, has long been associated with drug cultivation. In November 2025, Lebanese police arrested Noah Zaiter, a 48-year-old drug trafficker nicknamed the Lebanese Pablo Escobar. Zaiter was sentenced to four months in prison in February 2026, underscoring the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat drug-related crimes in the region. While these actions target different individuals, they collectively reflect the broader challenges faced by Lebanese law enforcement in curbing illegal drug trade networks.