Syria's Captagon network faces upheaval as leaders change

Syria has experienced significant disruption in its political landscape since the fall of former President Bashar Assad, leading to the exposure of extensive networks involved in the production of Captagon, a powerful amphetamine-like stimulant. The Syrian civil war, which has lasted for nearly 14 years, created a conducive environment for the industrial-scale manufacturing of the drug, allowing Syria to emerge as the largest global producer. The Syrian government previously recognized Captagon's profitability amidst economic turmoil and heavy sanctions, which enticed them to pursue the drug trade actively. As this regime-supported industry thrived, it became a critical financial lifeline for the Assad government. In recent years, authorities have discovered large-scale Captagon manufacturing facilities across Syria, with criminal organizations and rebel groups heavily involved in smuggling activities. The drug trade generated a staggering $10 billion annually, benefiting not only the Assad regime but various factions in the country. Key players, including Assad's brother, Maher al-Assad, and Syrian armed forces, played pivotal roles in orchestrating this booming trade and ensuring its continuation despite growing international scrutiny. Amidst the political transition following Assad's ousting, analysts have expressed concerns about the stability of Captagon's production and distribution networks in Syria. Rebel leaders, now consolidating power, face the challenge of dismantling entrenched drug trafficking operations while potentially vying for alternative illicit trades. Due to the regime's long-standing involvement in the Captagon industry, understanding and addressing addiction in Syria poses a significant hurdle for these new leaders. Without addressing demand reduction, there's a fear that investigative efforts may lead to new factions profiting from the ongoing drug trade, harming the community further. The situation in Syria has drawn the attention of neighboring countries, notably Saudi Arabia, which has implemented stringent measures against Captagon trafficking and increased border security. Furthermore, Lebanese authorities have struggled to curb the rampant smuggling of Captagon from Syria, exacerbated by the involvement of the Hezbollah militant group. In this complex context, newly emerging leadership in post-Assad Syria will need to develop the licit economy while effectively combating the drug trade to prevent returning to this lucrative criminal enterprise.