Scandals continue to follow Lebanese TikTokers, particularly in the wake of the recent case involving a TikTok gang accused of luring children for sexual exploitation.
George Deeb, a Lebanese businessman who gained fame on social media as “Dr. Food” for his food evaluation expertise is now being accused of “manufacturing and trafficking drugs”.
Over the years, he had built a reputation with his social media videos, showcasing various chocolate bars and other products made in his factory with his name, photo, and that of his wife, Shorouk.
Last month, security personnel at Rafik Hariri International Airport seized foodstuffs and products from Dr. Food’s factories, which were found to contain drugs and were intended for export to a Gulf country. At that time, Deeb was accused of “exploiting his fame and companies for drug trafficking.”
During his interrogation, Deeb denied all charges, asserting that his products were drug-free and that there was a systematic campaign to tarnish his reputation. He admitted to personal drug use but denied trading drugs. Consequently, the Mount Lebanon Public Prosecution charged him with drug use and released him.
However, further investigations revealed that the drug-laden products were indeed manufactured in Dr. Food’s factory and were found in the possession of a Syrian man.
This connection prompted the public prosecution to pursue charges against Deeb and the Syrian individual. To establish their relationship, the Lebanese judiciary has requested security services to monitor their communications.
Dr. Food failed to appear for his scheduled interrogation session on Monday, May 20. Consequently, Mount Lebanon investigative judge Ziad Daghidi issued an arrest warrant and requested its circulation at Lebanese borders and crossings to arrest him if returned to Lebanon after he had fled to Dubai.