Syria’s new authorities set ablaze one million pills of Captagon, along with other drugs, on December 25, 2024, following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. This operation, observed by several security officials, took place at a government facility located in the Kafr Sousa district of Damascus, which previously operated under the influential Assad regime.
The destruction of the drugs is part of the new government's efforts to combat the extensive narcotic trade linked to the previous regime. "We found a large quantity of Captagon, around one million pills," reported Osama, one of the security personnel involved. This significant seizure marks the latest initiative aimed at dismantling the drug network which has flourished during Syria’s long and brutal civil war, effectively transforming the country’s economy. Captagon, known for its addictive properties, was once touted as Syria's largest export, flooding black markets throughout the region.
On this brisk December day, security forces poured fuel over caches of cannabis, the painkiller tramadol, and bags of Captagon pills before setting them alight. The authorities not only aimed to eradicate these substances but also sent a clear message to potential smugglers: the new regime is taking decisive actions to protect the Syrian populace. Hamza, another security force member, emphasized, "The security forces of the new government discovered a drug warehouse as they were inspecting the security quarter," highlighting the proactive measures being taken.
For years, Captagon production escaped regulation and grew under Assad’s rule, turning Syria effectively known as a "narco state." Experts have claimed the drug trade was pivotal for the regime, providing substantial revenue streams amid the chaos of civil strife. Indeed, many observers have noted how the drug trade under Assad was not merely about illegal dealings but also about leveraging the narcotics to maintain control and influence over neighboring countries.
The new authorities described the drug raid as part of their broader strategy to not only root out corruption but also to disrupt smuggling routes tied directly to the Assad family's extensive dealings. "Authorities destroyed the stocks of alcohol, cannabis, Captagon, and hashish to protect Syrian society and cut off smuggling routes used by Assad family businesses,” said another unnamed security officer.
The events of this December day are just the latest chapter following the dramatic shift in power dynamics within Syria. Since the Islamist-led Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) alliance successfully toppled Assad on December 8, it has led to significant changes, particularly within the security and law enforcement sphere. Such raids have reportedly revealed massive caches of Captagon at former government sites, including heavy drug manufacturing facilities.
The ramifications of this operation extend beyond Syria. Captagon's availability and distribution have spurred crackdowns by neighboring countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, where the stimulant has become alarmingly prevalent. This newly minted leadership appears to be aware of the potential regional fallout stemming from the drug trade, with Saudi officials recently meeting with Syrian leaders to discuss the dire situation and the prominence of Captagon trade.
Despite these moves, the new government has yet to explicitly outline its stance on alcohol consumption, which had previously been widespread under the Assad regime. Given the Islamist roots of the current ruling faction, analysts speculate about potential shifts in drug policy moving forward.
Experts suggest this clean-up effort may be linked not only to illicit trade but also to political messaging reinforcing the new administration’s commitment to governance. By dismantling the narcotics operations associated with Assad, the government bolsters its image as serious about reforming the nation following years of corruption and war under Assad’s rule.
Overall, the struggle against Captagon and associated substances forms part of the fabric of modern Syrian governance. The burning of Captagon pills symbolizes more than just the eradication of drugs; it reflects the new government's quest for legitimacy and stability as it navigates the treacherous waters of post-Assad Syria.
