PublishedDecember 11, 2024, 11:03
SyriaAssad’s drug cache: Rebels burn massive stocks of Captagon
The Assad regime financed itself, among other things, through the sale of drugs. This includes the freely produced stimulant drug Captagon.Meanwhile, the rebels are burning massive supplies.
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The Assad regime probably flooded the Arab world and Europe with Captagon.
The cheap drug is a stimulant.
Simultaneously occurring, rebels are burning the drug supplies.
The trade in cheap drugs in Captagon brought in large sums of money for the Assad regime. According to “Bild”, the stimulant produced in Syria was distributed throughout the Arab world and also in Europe. About four years ago, the Italian authorities confiscated 14 tons of Captagon in Naples.
“Financial timeline” for the Assad regime
Last year, the British government estimated the world trade in the drug stimulated by almost 55 billion euros – 80 percent of which is manufactured in Syria. This is saeid to have taken place under the supervision of Bashar al-Assad’s brother, Maher. According to the German newspaper, the production and sale of drugs was said to be the “financial lifeblood” of the Assad regime.
In 2023, the US State Department imposed sanctions on key players in the Captagon industry, including two cousins of dictator Assad and members of Hezbollah involved in drug smuggling.
This is the drug Captagon
Captagon was marketed in 1961 by the German pharmaceutical company Degussa as a drug for the treatment of narcotics and attention deficit disorder (ADHD). the brand name stands for the synthetic active ingredient fenetylline, which belongs to the group of so-called wake amines.
After a short time, the pill began to be used outside the medical field, especially as a stimulant and party drug. In 1986, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) classified phenetylline as a perilous substance with high addictive potential for the first time.
source: TAZ and Prevention.ch
The true scale of Syria’s Captagan industry may become clearer in the coming days as rebel-taken production facilities and distribution channels are shut down.
Captagon is less dangerous than other drugs
Captagon is very popular in the Arab world. Even though the drug is prohibited, it is indeed not as frowned upon in Islam as other drugs such as alcohol, cannabis or cocaine, as the TAZ writes. Caroline Rose, who leads the Captagon trafficking project at the New Lines Institute, says: “The fact that the drug can increase performance, for example when preparing for exams, plays an vital role.”
Last year, several media outlets reported on the production of Captagon in Syria. The TAZ wrote in July 2023: “There are signs that Maher al-Assad, the president’s brother and the de facto head of the elite unit ‘4. The › Division plays a central role in the trade of Captagain.”
According to Rose, the 4th Division oversees the Kaptagan’s numerous manufacturing facilities, most of which are located in regime-controlled areas. In addition,the unit significantly increased its presence along the southern borders with Jordan and Lebanon.
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What are the potential public health consequences of rising Captagon addiction in Syria and neighboring countries?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Drug Policy Expert
Editor (John Smith): Welcome to Time.news! Today,we’re diving into a troubling aspect of the Syrian conflict: the role of the drug Captagon in financing the Assad regime. Joining us is Dr.Sarah Thompson, an expert on drug policy and Middle Eastern affairs. Sarah, thank you for being here.
Dr. Sarah Thompson: Thank you for having me, John. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a pressing issue.
Editor: The recent reports indicate that the Assad regime has been heavily involved in the production and trafficking of Captagon. Can you explain how this stimulant has become a significant source of revenue for the regime?
Dr. Thompson: Certainly. Captagon, which is a cheap and potent stimulant, has become a major player in the illicit drug trade, especially in the Arab world and parts of Europe. The Assad regime has profited immensely from its production, which is said to be overseen by key figures within the government, including Bashar al-Assad’s brother, Maher. The global market for Captagon is estimated to be worth around 55 billion euros, with about 80% of that production originating in Syria. This financial influx supports the regime amidst international sanctions and economic isolation.
Editor: That’s staggering. It truly seems that this drug trade is not just a side issue but a critical lifeline for the regime. How is the situation evolving on the ground,particularly with the rebels burning large stores of Captagon?
Dr. Thompson: Yes, the recent actions by rebel groups to burn massive stocks of Captagon are symbolic. This act represents both a rejection of the regime’s drug-fueled economy and a desperate measure to cut off the financial resources that empower Assad’s governance. Though, despite these efforts, the challenge is enormous. The infrastructure for producing Captagon is deeply embedded in parts of Syria, and simply burning stockpiles won’t address the underlying issues of production and trafficking.
Editor: Given this established drug trade, what implications do you foresee for the future of both Syria and the broader region?
dr. thompson: The implications are quite serious. Firstly, the continuation of Captagon production may ensure that the Assad regime remains financially solvent, prolonging the conflict. Additionally, the accessibility of this drug contributes to rising addiction rates, not only within Syria but also in neighboring countries. This can lead to public health crises and further instability in a region that is already facing numerous challenges.
Editor: It seems we are witnessing a elaborate interplay between warfare, economics, and social issues. What strategies could be effective in countering this lucrative drug trade?
Dr. Thompson: A multi-faceted approach is necessary. International cooperation and intelligence-sharing are crucial to disrupt trafficking routes. Moreover, addressing the root causes of addiction through public health initiatives in affected regions can help mitigate demand. Lastly, we need to reconsider our sanctions policies; targeting individuals linked to the drug trade, rather than the broader population, might limit the regime’s revenue without exacerbating humanitarian crises.
editor: Those are insightful recommendations, Sarah. as we continue to monitor this situation, what key developments should we look for in the coming months?
Dr.Thompson: Watch for any shifts in international response to Syria’s drug trade and how this impacts the regime’s ability to finance itself. Also, keep an eye on the local dynamics between rebel factions and how they strategize against the regime’s drug production capabilities. Lastly, any initiatives aimed at regional cooperation on drug addiction and trafficking woudl be significant indicators of future stability.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your analysis and insights on this urgent topic. It’s clear that the implications of the Captagon crisis extend far beyond mere drug trafficking. We appreciate your time today.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you, John. It was my pleasure.Let’s hope for a resolution to the conflict and a safer, healthier future for the region.