While ruling Syria, the Assad clan lived in a luxurious world of illusion – disconnected from the country’s brutal reality.but how could the Syrian ruling family lead this life of luxury despite international sanctions and an economy that had collapsed since the start of the civil war? This was only possible because Syria became a narcotic state under al-Assad’s rule and made the Middle East the drug free Captagon.
Production of Captagon - an amphetamine-based drug – last reached industrial levels when the Syrian civil war broke out in 2011. It is considered a soldier’s drug because it suppresses fatigue and anxiety while also having a stimulating effect. he has, but it is very addictive. Amphetamine has also been used as a doping agent in sports. By producing and distributing the drug, the Assad clan earned billions of dollars and thus financed their livelihood.In one Analyze Islamic scholar Caspar Schliephack writes: “The Assad regime is using the proceeds from the billion-dollar Captagon business to stay viable despite sanctions.”
Captagon: From the Balkans to the Middle East
The drug was mainly manufactured in the Balkans until the mid-2000s. Hezbollah in Lebanon and Bashar al-Assad recognized the billion dollar potential of the drug. They forced the relocation of production to the Middle East and greatly expanded it. Drug cartels have developed in Syria and Lebanon over the past twenty years – led by members of the Assad family and peopel close to them and also the Hezbollah militia. A real drug industry was established and Syria became a narcotic state.
And the income was bubbling. Syria is said to have earned a conservative estimate of about $3.46 billion in 2020 alone and at least $5.7 billion in 2021 from the sale of Captagon, according to a 2022 study by the Newsline Institute. Other sources estimate annual revenue in the tens of billions.This shows how deeply the al-Assad family is directly involved in the drug trade The EU sanctions list was published in 2023who nominated 25 people and eight organisations. Among these were the cousin of the then ruler Bashar al-Assad as well as members of a pro-government militia and businessmen with excellent connections to the ruling family.
after the civil war started in Syria in 2011, Kaptagan smugglers came to Europe. It became an increasingly common transshipment point for drugs. The discoveries increased, especially in Germany. In 2023, the biggest finding so far was announced in the neighboring country of Austria: German customs found about two million Captagon pills worth about 60 million euros in Aachen (North Rhine-Westphalia).Four Syrians were arrested. The tablets were probably intended for the Arab market and only came to Europe for transit.
Europe as a transit country for the smuggling of Captagan
Germany in particular acted as a transit country, as Syria’s neighboring countries such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia greatly increased border controls. Due to goods apparently coming from Europe,the risk of controls in the target countries was reduced for the smugglers. Confiscated goods were usually well camouflaged, in packages with brake cylinders and also hollowed out fruit.
What will happen to Captagon after the fall of Assad?
So far the EU and the US have seen members of the Assad family directly involved in the Kaptagan trade. After the fall of the dictator, did the production and distribution of the drug Captagon also fall? According to current reports from Syria, Captagon factories have already been excavated in various parts of the country. As Al Arabiya broadcaster on X reports, millions of Captagon tablets were found and burned at Syria’s Mezzeh air base south of Damascus.
Another video on X allegedly shows a warehouse at the headquarters of a military department near damascus headed by Assad’s brother Maher.The locations of the recordings cannot be independently confirmed at this time.
Rebel leader Mohammad al Jolani said on Sunday after arriving in Damascus that Syria was “the biggest source of Captagon in the world. But today, by the grace of god Almighty, Syria is being cleansed.” It is indeed not yet clear whether the fall of the regime is related to the fall of the Captagan cartel as well. Because the new rulers also need money to rebuild the country. If international support is not lacking in the future, Syria could continue to be a hotspot for Captagon. And the future US President, Donald Trump, had already said on the day of Assad’s ouster that the Trump administration had no interest in getting involved in Syria.
– How has the production of Captagon impacted Syria’s economy and society?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Drug Policy Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve deep into the pressing issues of our time. Today, we’re addressing a complex and troubling topic: the intertwining of narcotics with political power in Syria. Joining us is Dr. Eleanor Jonas, a leading expert in drug policy and its socio-political implications. Dr. Jonas, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Jonas: Thank you for having me. I’m glad to be here to discuss this important issue.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The Assad family has managed to maintain a lavish lifestyle amid a crumbling economy and heavy international sanctions. How did the regime achieve this, especially when we consider the dire conditions many Syrians are facing?
dr. Jonas: It’s a stark contrast,isn’t it? The Assad regime has transformed Syria into a narcotic state,particularly through the production of Captagon,an amphetamine-based drug.As you mentioned, this production surged when the civil war began in 2011. Captagon’s addictive properties make it particularly appealing.It provides users with extended wakefulness and reduces anxiety, which has made it practically a staple for soldiers. this increases demand and allows the Assad family to tap into an immense and lucrative market.
Editor: that’s quite revealing. Could you shed more light on how the production of Captagon became so prevalent in Syria compared to other regions?
Dr. Jonas: Absolutely. initially, Captagon was manufactured predominantly in the Balkans. Though,with the conflict in Syria and the involvement of the Assad regime and Hezbollah,there was a strategic shift.They recognized the potential profitability of drug production and effectively relocated operations to the Middle East, using their networks to capitalize on this demand. The chaos of war has made it easier for them to control production and distribution without significant opposition.
Editor: It sounds like the drug trade has become a lifeline for the regime. How has this been allowed to happen, especially given the international sanctions in place?
Dr. Jonas: The sanctions have indeed targeted many sectors, but they haven’t effectively curtailed the drug trade.Actually, the Assad regime has leveraged the proceeds from the Captagon business to sustain its operations and fund its activities.According to scholars like Caspar Schliephack, the revenues generated from this billion-dollar drug trade have enabled the regime to maintain a semblance of stability despite external pressures. This showcases a grim yet effective blending of organized crime and state power.
Editor: So, the drug trafficking is not just about profit but also about survival for the regime. What implications does this have for the broader region?
Dr. Jonas: The implications are vast. As Captagon becomes more prominent in the Middle East, we’re likely to see increased addiction rates and related health crises among users, which frequently enough include young men and even soldiers.Additionally, the financial gains from drug trafficking can further entrench the Assad regime while undermining efforts for peace and stability in the region. Neighboring countries might also face spillover effects, leading to heightened tensions and security concerns.
Editor: It’s a troubling cycle. In light of this situation, what can the international community do to address the issues surrounding Captagon and its production in syria?
Dr. Jonas: addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, the international community should strengthen cooperation to combat drug trafficking networks. This includes intelligence sharing and enhancing border controls in affected areas. additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to support rehabilitation programs for affected populations in the region. However, tackling the political and social roots of this crisis will be crucial—long-term stability in Syria can’t be achieved without addressing governance and law enforcement failures.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. jonas, for this enlightening discussion. It’s clear that the drug trade in Syria is not only a public health challenge but also a significant political issue that demands urgent attention.
Dr. Jonas: Thank you for having me. I hope this discussion raises awareness about these critical issues, and we can start considering effective solutions.
Editor: And to our viewers, thank you for tuning in. Stay informed as we continue to explore the intersections of power,legality,and society in global affairs.