In the wake of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapse, Syrian rebel forces, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have uncovered substantial quantities of Captagon, an illegal amphetamine-type stimulant, in former government strongholds. Captagon turned Syria into the world’s largest narco state. The drug had become Syria’s leading export, surpassing all legal exports combined.
Captagon, known scientifically as fenethylline, has been a significant source of revenue for the Syrian government, with the global market for the drug estimated at approximately $57 billion in 2023. The regime’s reliance on Captagon production intensified as international sanctions crippled Syria’s economy, leading to its designation as a narco-state. The Fourth Armoured Division, commanded by Maher al-Assad, brother of Bashar al-Assad, has been identified as a central figure in overseeing the drug’s production and smuggling operations.
The recent seizures by HTS fighters include warehouses filled with Captagon pills concealed within electrical components, indicating sophisticated smuggling techniques. These operations were reportedly linked to Maher al-Assad and Amer Khiti, a prominent businessman with close ties to the regime. The rebels have pledged to destroy the confiscated drugs, aiming to dismantle the infrastructure that supported the regime’s illicit activities.
The proliferation of Captagon has destabilise the Middle East, with the drug being widely consumed by various groups, including militia fighters and civilians. Neighboring countries, particularly Jordan and Saudi Arabia, have faced significant challenges due to the influx of the drug, leading to increased border security measures and regional tensions.
The fall of the Assad regime and the subsequent exposure of its narcotics operations underscore the complexities of Syria’s political landscape. As the new authorities work to eradicate the remnants of the drug trade, the international community remains watchful of Syria’s transition and the broader implications for regional stability.
