June 9, 2020 General Security Office Information Report
Information Report (confidential)
Date: June 9, 2020
Subject: Information about the presence of explosive material and the summoning of the Beirut port harbor master
Content: We have learned that the State Security office at the [Beirut] port summoned the harbor master of Beirut port Mohammad al-Mawla to take his statement about the hazardous substance (ammonium nitrate), used to manufacture explosives, which has been held inside hangar 12 in the Beirut port since June 27, 2014 (subject of previous reports).
[illegible] the said substance on board of the ship RHOSUS, which was impounded pursuant to a judicial decision dated [illegible] following a dispute between BUNKERNET LTD corporation and the owners of the ship. On [illegible] the Directorate General of Land and Maritime Transport sent a letter to the Ministry of [Justice] to take necessary measures to auction off the ship and its cargo.
[illegible] the State Security office at the port communicated with the cassation prosecution office, represented by Judge Ghassan Oueidat, saying that the seized goods are a risk to security and public safety because they are placed in hangar 12 without being guarded and supervised, and that it is the responsibility of the harbor master to implement the impounding decision after he has been appointed judicial guard of the said goods. Though, he wrote to the prosecution office saying that he is unable to guard the said goods since the hangar is under the authority of customs and port management [Gestion et Exploitation du Port de Beyrouth, GEPB]. Judge Oueidat tasked GEPB with guarding the seized goods.