TikTok food influencer Doctor Food arrested in Lebanon over alleged drug-linked food products
TikTok food influencer Georges Dib, known online as Doctor Food, has been arrested in Lebanon over alleged drug-related crimes involving food products made by businesses linked to him. Dib has more than eight million TikTok followers and is known for sharing food, cooking and lifestyle videos. Lebanese authorities said he was arrested on August 23 after a month-long search. Police had reportedly been looking for him for years. He had also previously been sentenced to life in prison in absentia over alleged drug trafficking.
TikTok food influencer Doctor Food arrested in Lebanon after police search
Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces said Dib was arrested after officers spent about a month investigating and watching his movements.Police eventually raided his home in the Rahbeh area of Akkar, northern Lebanon, and arrested him. Authorities said Dib was wanted under two court warrants connected to a drug-related case.Police also claimed that Dib had been trying to avoid being found while continuing to make videos for his large social media audience.According to investigators, he would record his content and then leave his home. Police said he also changed vehicles and phone numbers often, which they believe was done to make it harder for them to track him.Dib was later handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal action.
Doctor Food faces alleged drug-linked food products case
The case goes back to an earlier investigation at Beirut’s international airport. Lebanese authorities reportedly seized confectionery and other food products that allegedly contained narcotics.The products were said to have been made at factories owned by Dib’s businesses. Investigators reportedly believed the products were being prepared for shipment to a Gulf country.Dib was accused of making, trafficking and smuggling drugs outside Lebanon. He had previously been sentenced to life in prison in absentia over drug trafficking allegations.A judicial source told AFP that Dib is expected to be moved to a detention center in Mount Lebanon. He is also expected to face another trial over additional alleged drug trafficking charges.Despite the earlier case, Dib continued posting videos on TikTok and remained active online. After reports about his previous conviction appeared in July, he denied the accusations in a video and asked his followers not to believe the claims being made about him.Doctor Food has built a large online audience through videos about food, restaurants and his daily life. His arrest now puts his social media career and business activities under a major legal spotlight.The investigation and court proceedings are still continuing. The allegations against Dib have not been proven in court, and he will have the opportunity to respond to the charges through the legal process.
