This ancient block of sandstone has a curious past
Four days after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, opposition fighters in Damascus uncovered large stashes of Captagon, a powerful amphetamine long mass-produced in Syria. Known for its highly addictive properties, Captagon became one of the country's most lucrative illicit exports, with the Assad regime's involvement in its production and trafficking. But what exactly is this drug and why has it played such a central role in Syria's relations with its neighbors in recent years?
Click on to find out.
Captagon, a brand name for fenethylline, was first synthesized in the '60s by a German pharmaceutical company as a treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy. It was banned due to its addictive properties.
Despite its ban in the '80s, counterfeit versions of Captagon resurged, flooding illicit drug markets and becoming especially prominent in the Middle East.
Captagon combines amphetamine and theophylline, creating a potent stimulant that produces euphoria, increased energy, and heightened focus, contributing to its widespread abuse.
Syria became a global hub for Captagon production, with the Assad regime allegedly playing a central role in manufacturing and trafficking the drug.
Captagon is now a multi-billion-dollar industry, with its production concentrated in Syria and neighboring Lebanon, reaching markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The primary consumers of Captagon are in the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, where it's particularly popular among young people.
Traffickers smuggle Captagon through various routes, including Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey, often hidden in shipments of consumer goods or industrial equipment.
Captagon's use has led to addiction crises in Gulf countries, prompting governments to crack down on trafficking and strengthen border security.
With the civil war and facing international sanctions, the Assad regime turned to Captagon manufacturing, generating billions in revenue and securing its hold on power despite economic isolation.
Maher al-Assad, Bashar's brother, is accused of masterminding the lucrative Captagon trade, which has become a vital financial lifeline for Syria's ruling elite.
As a result, the Captagon trade transformed into a vast, state-sponsored narcotics' empire, with the Assad regime and its allies controlling production, trafficking, and profits.
Jordan faces major challenges as a transit country, with frequent clashes between its border forces and traffickers attempting to smuggle Captagon into the Gulf region.
Saudi authorities have intensified efforts to intercept Captagon shipments, seizing millions of pills annually in an attempt to stem the tide of addiction.
Lebanon plays a critical role in Captagon production and smuggling, with certain factions reportedly complicit in the drug trade for financial gain.
Armed groups in the region reportedly use Captagon to fund operations and fuel combatants, capitalizing on its profitability and stimulant effects.
Captagon's euphoric effects have led to widespread abuse among youth in the Gulf, creating a growing public health crisis.
Captagon trafficking exacerbates regional instability, funding militant groups and straining relations between neighboring countries.
Smugglers use ingenious methods to hide Captagon, embedding pills in hollowed fruits, machine parts, or even furniture to avoid detection.
Countries like Jordan and Saudi Arabia have increased surveillance, border patrols, and interdiction efforts to combat Captagon trafficking.
Transit nations bear economic burdens, such as increased security costs and societal damage from the drug trade.
The United Nations and other international organizations have called for greater cooperation to address the Captagon trade and its global repercussions.
Captagon trafficking into Turkey and the Balkans highlights its growing presence in Europe, signaling the drug's expanding global reach beyond the Middle East.
Prolonged Captagon use leads to severe health issues, including heart damage, paranoia, psychosis, and long-term neurological effects.
During Syria's civil war, combatants used Captagon to suppress fear and boost endurance, earning it the nickname "the jihadist drug."
In regions where it is produced, Captagon generates illicit employment, contributing to a shadow economy that undermines legitimate industries.
Experts argue that Assad used the Captagon trade as leverage in international negotiations, weaponizing the drug to pressure other nations.
Countries like the UK and US have raised alarms over Captagon's production in Syria. In 2023, both nations imposed sanctions targeting individuals connected to the trade.
Hezbollah and Iranian-backed groups are accused of supporting Captagon production, fueling instability. The 2022, the US Captagon Act targeted this trade, addressing concerns about its global spread and addiction crisis.
With Captagon's impact spreading beyond the Middle East, coordinated international efforts are needed to address its production, trafficking, and abuse effectively.
Sources: (The Guardian) (CNN) (Al Jazeera)
See also: Russia, Iran, China, and the West’s strategic influence on Syria
Captagon explained: the highly addictive drug linked to Syria
The Assad regime's involvement became crucial to sustaining its power and wealth
LIFESTYLE Middle east
Four days after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, opposition fighters in Damascus uncovered large stashes of Captagon, a powerful amphetamine long mass-produced in Syria. Known for its highly addictive properties, Captagon became one of the country's most lucrative illicit exports, with the Assad regime's involvement in its production and trafficking. But what exactly is this drug and why has it played such a central role in Syria's relations with its neighbors in recent years?
Click on to find out.