Following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, Syria's new authorities have initiated a significant crackdown on the rampant drug trafficking networks established during his regime, particularly targeting Captagon, the powerful amphetamine derivative. On December 26, 2024, security forces reported the incineration of over one million Captagon pills and other narcotics during security sweeps across Damascus, marking a new chapter for the war-torn nation.
These developments come on the heels of political upheaval, with the brutal regime of Assad crumbling after nearly 24 years of authoritarian rule. After the swift offensive led by the Islamist faction Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) beginning November 27, Assad fled to Moscow, making way for the new authorities to dismantle the illicit networks built under his administration.
According to reports from Agence France-Presse, the security forces uncovered drug warehouses during their inspections, particularly around the Kafr Sousa area, which previously served as the stronghold for Assad's intelligence operations. An unidentified member of the security forces stated, “We found a large quantity of captagon, around one million pills,” before they proceeded to set the narcotics ablaze. This act was symbolic as much as it was practical, sending a message of accountability and new governance.
The drug trade, particularly Captagon, flourished during the Syrian civil war after 2011, transforming the nation not only as a battleground but also as a hub for narcotics. The illegal production of Captagon became so pervasive during Assad's regime it became synonymous with the corruption engulfing Syria, leading the U.S. government to impose sanctions against several Syrian officials for their involvement.
Meanwhile, protests erupted nationwide following the emergence of disturbing footage showing the attack on an Alawite shrine, culminating in tragedy when security forces opened fire to disperse demonstrators, resulting in at least one death and several injuries. Demonstrators gathered by the thousands throughout cities like Homs, Tartus, and Latakia, chanting calls for peace and unity among sects, with slogans ringing out like “Alawite, Sunni, we want peace.”
Protesters, frustrated by the backlash against the minority Alawite community—historically loyal to Assad—called for accountability from those instigators behind the shrine attacks. “We are calling for those who attacked the shrine to be held to account,” said one protester named Ali Daoud.
Tensions escalated as these protests spread, leading to curfews imposed by local authorities aiming to suppress the growing unrest. While the transitional government, led by HTS, has sought to assure minorities of their rights during this upheaval, deep-seated distrust persists among them. Ghidak Mayya, another protester, expressed his concerns saying, "For now... we are listening to calls for calm,” emphasizing the fragile state of affairs.
While the new government is vigorously combating drugs, addressing the aftermath of the civil war and rebuilding trust among communities remains challenging. Facing the shadows of Assad's regime, the new authorities are tasked not only with enforcing drug laws but also restoring stability and addressing grievances among various factions within Syria's deeply divided society.
Experts caution against potential repercussions for the Alawite community, previously associated with the Assad regime. Fabrice Balanche, a French Middle East expert, noted, “Their association with the regime risks provoking collective revenge against them – especially as Islamists view them as heretics.”
This ambivalence reveals the precarious balancing act now faced by Syria's new rulers, as they navigate through the remnants of past grievances, current unrest, and the overarching goal of establishing governance free from the corruption and control of the departed Assad regime.
The destruction of Captagon stocks is expected not only to disrupt longstanding smuggling routes but also reflects the broader intentions of the new authorities to shift the narrative from drug-trafficking hub to one of accountability and public health reform—promises of change consistent with their claims of fighting organized crime for the good of the nation.
Despite these initial steps toward recovery, the road ahead for Syria remains fraught with challenges. Increased vigilance and unyielding enforcement are necessary to alleviate the societal damage inflicted by drug dependency. For the people of Syria, the hope for peace and stability hangs delicately as they forge their national identity beyond the shadows of Assad’s dominion.
