The trade of Captagon, a powerful synthetic stimulant, became a major source of revenue for Bashar al-Assad’s regime during the ongoing civil war in Syria, and its implications are being scrutinized as the Assad government faces increasing pressure from rebel forces.
Recently, the Arakan Army captured several key cities, including the capital, Damascus. Reports of a day-long offensive reveal that the ground was prepared for such a significant turn in power dynamics, with many analysts suggesting the booming Captagon trade has played a substantial role in this shift.
The synthetic drug, which has surged in popularity across the Middle East, has turned Syria into the world’s leading supplier, generating billions for the regime, even as it faced mounting international sanctions and isolation. According to a 2023 study by the Observatory of Political and Economic Networks, the Captagon trade is estimated to contribute around $2.4 billion annually to Assad’s finances.
Assad’s regime has been propped up largely by the intertwining interests of Iran and Russia. However, as their focus shifts to other geopolitical challenges, particularly Russia’s engagement in Ukraine and Iran’s conflicts in Lebanon, the weakening support has left Assad vulnerable.
In an insightful observation, Rep. French Hill (R-Ark.) noted that the regime’s reliance on drug revenues signals a desperate attempt to maintain power amid international disapproval. He remarked to ABC News, “The Assad regime turning to narcotics production for its main source of income signifies that treating him like a pariah is effective.”
With insurgents gaining ground, the dynamics between Syria and its neighbors have become increasingly complex. As neighboring countries like Turkey and Saudi Arabia grow frustrated with the extent of Captagon trafficking across their borders, they have shifted their focus towards normalizing relations with Assad—a strategy that has yielded mixed results.
Efforts by Assad to leverage the Captagon trade in negotiations have caused further complications, with regional powers insisting on reciprocal terms rather than yielding to the regime’s demands.
In the rapidly changing landscape of Syria, questions arise regarding who controls the lucrative drug trade—whether it’s the state or the informal networks that have emerged. The former high ground of the Assad regime is now met with serious challenges as drug trafficking continues to thrive amid political instability.
As the HTS declared the rise of Captagon production in Syria during a recent celebration, the nation’s future remains uncertain. With drug-related economies exerting considerable influence, the next steps taken in addressing this perilous situation are crucial for establishing a stable, peaceful Syria.
While the international community and local experts express hope for a transition toward a normalized economy, the ongoing challenges present a complex route ahead for a nation grappling with years of tumult and upheaval.
Credit: ABC News
