Syria's Captagon Trade Faces Major Disruption Amid Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

Syria’s illegal drug trade, particularly the production and smuggling of Captagon, has long been a significant source of revenue for President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. However, recent disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict between Israel* and Hezbollah are now threatening this crucial economic pillar.

Captagon, a powerful synthetic stimulant, has become Syria's top export in recent years, with the country emerging as the world’s largest producer. The drug, primarily consumed in the Middle East, has brought in billions of dollars, far surpassing the drug profits of Mexican cartels.

Samir Tawil, a Syrian economic journalist, explains, "The war in Syria has drained many economic resources, leading the regime to seek alternative funding. Drugs have become one of the most important sources of income for both the Assad regime and *Hezbollah* over the past decade."

The Syria-Hezbollah nexus has been essential in maintaining the Captagon trade, with Hezbollah playing a significant role in its production and smuggling, particularly across the Syria-Lebanon border. The drug trade has been a key method for funding military activities, especially as international sanctions continue to isolate both Syria and Hezbollah.

Sanctions and Involvement of Key Figures

Several international sanctions have targeted individuals tied to the Captagon trade. In 2023, both the UK and the EU sanctioned key figures involved, including members of Assad’s family. The sanctions highlight that the Syrian regime generates approximately $60 billion annually from the illicit drug trade, with Latakia, a key Syrian port, being one of the central hubs for Captagon shipments.

High-ranking officials, including Maher Assad, Bashar Assad’s brother, and his deputy *Ghassan Bilal, have been implicated in facilitating the Captagon trade. These individuals oversee operations of the 4th Armored Division, which has become notorious for its involvement in drug trafficking.

Hezbollah's Global Drug Network

Hezbollah's drug trafficking operations are not limited to the Middle East. The group has been involved in global drug smuggling, including operations in Latin America. Arrests in Brazil, the US, and elsewhere have uncovered Hezbollah’s extensive network for funding itself through illicit drug trade activities, such as cocaine trafficking.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has significantly disrupted the Captagon trade. Smuggling operations have been severely affected, with reports from Jordan and Saudi Arabia showing a marked decline in drug seizures. This has led to economic stagnation in Syria, as the drug trade continues to be a major revenue source for the regime.

Residents of Damascus have reported shortages of Captagon, as Hezbollah has had to shift its focus to the ongoing conflict with Israel, disrupting the smuggling routes and production capabilities.

Calls for International Action

Wael Khalidi, a regional expert, stresses that international efforts to combat the flow of Captagon must intensify, warning that "drugs are not difficult to smuggle from Syria to Washington." He calls for stronger enforcement of sanctions and tighter borders to target the smuggling networks that benefit both the Assad regime and Hezbollah.

Experts also point out that Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League and its trade deals under the guise of humanitarian aid have allowed the drug trade to flourish, particularly through the port of Latakia.

Conclusion

The ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah presents a unique opportunity for the international community to disrupt the flow of Captagon and weaken the economic ties between Syria and Hezbollah. With drug trafficking now firmly intertwined with regional geopolitics, the need for coordinated global action has never been more pressing.