Since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad, industrial-scale manufacturing facilities of the amphetamine-like stimulant Captagon have been uncovered around the country, fueling a $10 billion annual global trade in the highly addictive drug.
Locations such as the Mazzeh air base in Damascus, a car-trading company in Latakia, and a former snack chip factory in Douma were used for manufacturing the drug. The civil war in Syria created fertile ground for the production of Captagon, transforming it into a billion-dollar industry run by militias, warlords, and the Assad government.
Captagon, originally developed in Germany in the 1960s, gained popularity in the Middle East for its amphetamine-like effects that enhanced focus and reduced fatigue. The Assad regime saw an opportunity in the drug amid economic turmoil and heavy sanctions, leading to the industrialization of its production around 2018-2019.
The primary smuggling routes for Captagon were through Syria's porous borders with Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq, with wealthy Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE being major markets. Lebanon also played a significant role in the trade, particularly near the Syrian border and in the Bekaa Valley.
The annual global trade in Captagon was valued at $10 billion, with the Assad family's profit estimated at $2.4 billion. The Assad regime's sponsorship of the industry was evident, with key regime-aligned figures overseeing operations.
Efforts to curb the Captagon trade faced challenges due to complex smuggling networks. However, recent developments, including Syria's readmission to the Arab League in 2023, signaled a shift towards clamping down on smuggling activities.
While the ousting of Assad disrupted the Captagon networks, experts believe that criminal actors may seek out new locations for production and smuggling. Dismantling the Captagon trade and promoting economic development will be crucial for Syria's transitional government in the post-Assad era.
