Cousin of Bashar Assad arrested for drug trafficking
- Syrian Interior Ministry confirms the arrest of Wassim Badi Assad, a cousin of former President Bashar Assad.
- Wassim Assad had been under U.S. sanctions since March 2023 for his role in drug trafficking.
- His arrest sheds light on the ongoing issues of drug trade and its implications on Syria's political landscape.
In Damascus, Syria, Syrian authorities announced the arrest of Wassim Badi Assad, a cousin of the former president, for drug trafficking and other crimes. His arrest comes amid ongoing tensions following the insurgents' ousting of the Assad family after a 54-year reign, a conflict that has significantly affected the nation's stability and economy. The U.S. Department of the Treasury had previously imposed sanctions on Wassim Assad in March 2023 due to his involvement in the regional drug trafficking network and calls for the formation of sectarian militias. This criminal activity links the Assad family to a burgeoning drug trade that has transformed the production of substances like Captagon into a considerable revenue source for various powers in Syria. The conflict that started in March 2011 has led to the disintegration of Syria, offering fertile ground for the drug trade dominated by militias and warlords, resulting in the emergence of a billion-dollar industry within the war-torn nation. The arrest of Wassim Assad highlights the continued involvement of influential figures in narcotics operations and raises questions about the long-term impacts on the region's stability following the Assad family's loss of power.