Lebanese authorities have arrested Georges Dib, a popular social media influencer known to his eight million followers as “Doctor Food,” following a life sentence handed down in absentia for drug trafficking. A judicial source confirmed that Dib was apprehended at his residence in the Akkar governorate in the country’s far north.
The arrest follows a long-standing legal battle initiated two years ago when the Lebanese judiciary issued a warrant for his detention. Officials accused him of manufacturing, trafficking, and smuggling narcotics abroad. At the time of the initial charges, the National News Agency (NNA) reported that authorities had intercepted food products and confectionery items at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport that were found to contain illegal substances. These goods were reportedly manufactured in factories owned by Dib and were intended for export to Gulf markets.
Legal Status and Ongoing Proceedings
- Current Status: Detained in Mount Lebanon pending a new trial for additional drug trafficking charges.
- Prior Conviction: Sentenced to life in prison in absentia for drug manufacturing and smuggling.
- Public Response: Despite the outstanding warrant and conviction, Dib continued to post content on TikTok, publicly denying the allegations last month and urging his followers to ignore reports regarding his legal troubles.
Before his arrest, Dib gained significant fame for his lifestyle and cooking content, often featuring his ex-wife, Shorouk, a Canadian of Palestinian descent who commands a following of over 15 million. The couple separated following allegations of abuse made by Shorouk, who recently hosted a widely publicized “divorce party” at a Lebanese seaside resort attended by thousands of her followers.
Related Developments
- Recent Incidents: A fatal crash on the Beirut-Sidon coastal road resulted in five deaths.
- Social Media Trends: An Egyptian TikTok star was previously arrested over the production of 250 videos deemed indecent.
- National Context: Lebanon continues to debate the implementation of a sweeping amnesty law, while other high-profile figures, including a pop star-turned-militant, have recently surrendered to authorities after years on the run.
Important Details
- The report also notes that also Read: Lebanese pop star-turned-militant surrenders after 12 years on the run.
- The report also notes that get Updates on Topics You Choose.
- The report also notes that dIB launches its first Youth Council to empower talent.
Source: Gulf News
