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International Desk, Delhi Magazine: In a disturbing revelation, Syria has been identified as a significant player in the global drug trade, particularly in the production and distribution of captagon, an amphetamine-type stimulant. The captagon trade, valued at an estimated $10 billion annually, has turned Syria into a hub for drug trafficking, raising alarm among neighboring countries and international watchdogs.
The Assad Regime’s Role
Reports suggest that elements within the Assad regime are directly involved in the production and trafficking of captagon. With the country’s economy in shambles due to a decade-long civil war and international sanctions, the regime appears to be leveraging the drug trade as a source of revenue. Factories producing captagon have been discovered in regime-controlled areas, and the drug is being smuggled across borders into neighboring countries and beyond.
Impact on Regional Stability
The captagon trade has significant implications for regional stability. Countries like Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon have become major transit and consumer hubs for the drug. Security forces in these countries have repeatedly intercepted shipments of captagon, often hidden in everyday goods such as fruit and machinery. In Saudi Arabia alone, authorities seized over 119 million pills in 2023, highlighting the scale of the problem.
International Responses
The global community has expressed growing concern over Syria’s role in the drug trade. The United States and European Union have imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the captagon trade. Meanwhile, neighboring countries are ramping up border security and intelligence operations to combat smuggling. Jordan has even conducted military operations targeting drug traffickers along its border with Syria.
Humanitarian and Social Costs
The proliferation of captagon has led to a surge in addiction rates across the Middle East, particularly among young people. The drug is often used by workers to endure long hours or by militants to suppress fear during combat. This growing crisis underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to address both the supply and demand sides of the problem.
Outlook
As Syria’s captagon trade continues to expand, the international community faces a complex challenge. Addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach, including diplomatic pressure on the Assad regime, increased border security in neighboring countries, and comprehensive addiction treatment programs in affected regions.
The captagon crisis serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of Syria’s prolonged conflict and highlights the urgent need for sustainable solutions to restore stability in the region.