Syria Hails Shift From Captagon Hub to Anti-Drug Partner

Syria marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by proclaiming its transition from a notorious "Captagon hub" to an active partner in combating illicit substances. The official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) highlighted the country's ongoing efforts to dismantle drug production and smuggling networks, framing this as a new phase initiated after significant political changes.

SANA reported that Syria is now focused on dismantling drug factories, pursuing trafficking rings, and enhancing international cooperation. This marks a departure from previous years when Syria was identified as a primary center for Captagon production and smuggling. The agency cited a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) confirmation in December 2025 that large-scale Captagon manufacturing in Syria had been disrupted.

According to SANA, the Syrian government has dismantled 15 Captagon manufacturing facilities and 13 smaller storage sites since December 2024. The UNODC's 2026 report also noted that disruptions in the Captagon market have led to increased pill prices in some regions, raising concerns about users potentially turning to other synthetic drugs like methamphetamine.

In conjunction with the international observance, Syria's Interior and Health ministries launched a national campaign titled "Syria Without Drugs." Brig. Gen. Khaled Eid, head of the Anti-Narcotics Directorate, described the campaign as a national project based on scientific plans, balancing deterrence with treatment. He emphasized viewing drug users as victims needing care, while dealers and smugglers are treated as criminals requiring punishment. The directorate has conducted 1,550 drug seizures and interdiction operations since the former government fell, dismantling 90 international smuggling networks.

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The user is viewed as a victim who requires care, while the dealer and smuggler are treated as perpetrators of a crime that requires punishment.