On December 25, 2024, Syria's new government forces took decisive action against the burgeoning drug trade by destroying approximately one million Captagon pills, along with other illicit substances, during a raid in Damascus. This crackdown marks another significant effort to dismantle the drug trafficking networks established during the regime of former President Bashar al-Assad.
The operation unfolded early on Wednesday when security forces raided warehouses located within the Kafr Sousa neighborhood, previously dominated by Assad’s intelligence operations. Observers reported seeing members of the security forces pouring fuel over the seized drugs and setting them ablaze, reflecting the new regime's commitment to combatting the rampant drug culture linked to its predecessor.
"We found a large quantity of captagon, around one million pills," stated Osama, one of the security forces involved, indicating the scale of the government's efforts. Captagon, classified as a banned amphetamine-like stimulant, became the largest export of Syria during years of civil unrest, turning the country effectivelyinto a narco state.
Another security official, known as Hamza, elaborated on the discovery made by the new authorities. "The security forces discovered a drug warehouse as they were inspecting the security quarter," he explained, shedding light on the nature of the operation. This raid was not an isolated incident; rather, it reflects multiple discoveries made across various former government sites. Hamza confirmed, "This is not the first initiative of its kind — the security services... have found other warehouses… and drug manufacturing sites and destroyed them." Such actions indicate the dismantlement of extensive networks previously benefiting from drug manufacturing and trafficking.
Captagon production was not merely a byproduct of the Syrian conflict; rather, it became interwoven with the political and economic fabric of the country under Assad. It is widely believed the production of this stimulant supported the regime financially amid international sanctions and growing isolation. Maher al-Assad, the brother of the former president, is alleged to have played a lead role behind the lucrative Captagon trade, drawing the ire of international observers and neighboring countries afflicted by the drug influx.
Experts claim the production of Captagon and other narcotics enabled Assad's regime to exert control and leverage over neighboring nations, most significantly Saudi Arabia and Jordan, which have struggled against drug smuggling across their borders. Stemming from their concerns about security and the unchecked flow of drugs, these nations have reportedly raised issues with the Syrian government. Jordan has heightened its own defensive measures along their lengthy 375-kilometer border with Syria.
The recent drug destruction effort is now part of broader attempts by Syria’s new leaders, following the ouster of Assad, to reset relations with the Arab world. Just months earlier, Syria was readmitted to the Arab League after being expelled for its violent crackdown on civilians during protests. Such geopolitical maneuvers coincide with urgent domestic measures aimed at removing the taint of Assad's drug trade.
Hamza Ismail, another security official present at the destruction, remarked, "The drug used by the Assad family was destroyed by setting it on fire," asserting the intention of the new government to sever ties with the past practices of drug culture linked to the regime. By destroying these drugs, authorities hope to protect Syrian society from the harmful impact of narcotics and signal genuine changes under new governance.
While the incineration of Captagon and other drugs marks progress, the reality remains stark. Years of conflict and instability have embedded Syria deeply within the global drug trafficking network, and challenges persist as remnants of the previous regime may still loom large over the nation.
With security officials vowing to continue their efforts, the destruction of drugs might signal the start of recovery for Syria and its desire to rebuild its international reputation, showing it's willing to address the challenges posed by its dark history.
