"The trafficking usually has revolved around fuel and food, both cheaper on the Syrian side. Now the black market in weapons is booming, and the prices of arms are skyrocketing, villagers say," wrote Karine G. Barzegar in an article published in the American "Washington Times" newspaper.

Regarding weapons smuggling from Lebanon to Syria, the newspaper added that "Assault rifles, shotguns and other weapons are sold and smuggled into Syria on a regular basis. Since the outbreak of violence, the price of a Kalashnikov assault rifle has almost doubled to about $2,000, smugglers say."

The newspaper pointed out that "Syria has reinforced security at the border by planting mines and posting additional troops. However, the Lebanese border remains porous, like Syria's northern border with Turkey and southern border with Jordan."

"Syrian opposition sources say they also are getting weapons from Turkey and Jordan," the newspaper stated.

The newspaper quoted some locals as saying that "arms trafficking generally has been an ad hoc enterprise; but as the violence escalates in Syria, the trade is growing larger and more lucrative." 

In a related context, A Lebanese security source affirmed on Monday that a group was arrested in the Lebanese town of Arsal for smuggling weapons to Syria.

Also, Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper reported that the Lebanese army intelligence arrested three Lebanese men and one Syria suspected of purchasing weapons with the intent of smuggling them to Syria.