The new Syrian authorities made headlines recently by destroying around one million pills of Captagon, part of their broader strategy to combat illegal drug trade and its associated problems. This destruction, which took place on December 25, 2024, occurred publicly in the capital city of Damascus, signaling a significant shift following the ousting of long-standing ruler Bashar al-Assad.
A video journalist from AFP witnessed the burning of these confiscated drugs, which were destroyed on the grounds of former security services' buildings. "We found a large quantity of Captagon, about one million pills," said an official representing the new authority.
This drug burn was not merely to rid the streets of these substances; it also highlights the authorities' intent to reshape the country's image and eliminate the rampant drug culture propagated under the Assad regime. Under Assad, Syria had become notorious for its lucrative drug trade, with Captagon being the main export product—surpassing all other legal exports combined, according to reports from AFP based on 2022 data.
Alongside Captagon, the authorities also destroyed significant amounts of other substances, including cannabis and the painkiller Tramadol. The discovery of these drugs was made during inspections conducted within neighborhoods previously associated with the fallen Assad regime. Officials indicated this incident was part of the broader efforts to protect society and cut off smuggling routes used by the Assad family's networks.
Interestingly, Captagon holds notoriety not only within Syria but also across the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, which is its largest market. The drug, substantially less stigmatized than alcohol among the region's elite, has become known as the party drug of the wealthy. Yet, it's also used widely among laborers seeking the stamina to cope with relentless work demands.
Originally developed as medication for narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders, Captagon has transformed over the decades, earning the label of "the cocaine of the poor" due to its widespread illicit use. The new Syrian administration, particularly the Islamist militia Hajat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has vowed to tackle this drug epidemic head-on since asserting control over Damascus and ending the Assad family's long-standing rule two and a half weeks prior to the drug destruction.
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader following the power shift, has made public statements pledging to contribute to regional stability and strategic partnerships. Despite the United States and other Western nations categorizing HTS as a terrorist organization, the recent removal of the bounty on HTS leader Mohammed al-Jawlani signals shifting dynamics.
The Captagon trade, once the backbone of the Assad regime's economy, remains problematic. Reports indicate revenues from Captagon sales offered the Assad family's coffers billions of dollars, with estimates of $5.7 billion just from sales made by 2021. Conversely, various militias including HTS are alleged to have reaped profits from this same trade, hinting at the complex entanglements of power and crime within Syria's fractured society.
Saudi Arabian authorities have also expressed concern about the rising Captagon trade, emphasizing the need for cooperation with Syrian leaders to manage the flow of drugs and mitigate their adverse effects. During recent discussions held between Saudi officials and al-Sharaa, the counter-drug efforts led the agenda, illustrating the regional commitment to address the menace.
The destruction of Captagon pills is merely the beginning step of what will be likely years of effort to restructure not only the drug policies but also overall governance within Syria following years of civil strife. The immense challenges lie not just within combating drug trade but also restoring faith and stability among the Syrian populace as they come to terms with nearly 14 years of conflict and upheaval.
While the new authorities are determined to signal change and progress, the shadow of the multi-billion-dollar Captagon trade continues to loom large, intertwining with the nation’s recovery and future. Will this mark the beginning of true reform, or will internal conflicts within the new power dynamics continue to thwart these efforts?
