Damascus, Dec. 15 (SANA) Following the fall of the Assad regime, Syria’s new leadership has committed to dismantling the extensive drug trafficking networks that flourished under the previous regime. For over a decade, the former regime turned Syria into a major hub for narcotics production, particularly the highly addictive drug Captagon, which became a key source of revenue amid an economy strained by sanctions.
With the regime’s collapse, Syrian authorities have intensified efforts to curb drug production and trafficking, aiming to reduce the destabilizing impact of the illicit drug trade on Syria and the wider region. Security forces uncovered significant evidence of high-level involvement in the narcotics trade, revealing that these operations had been systematically protected and profited from by regime-linked entities.
Major Discoveries and Seizures
In early 2025, Syrian authorities dismantled several illegal drug production facilities, some of which had been operating with official protection. One of the largest discoveries occurred in the suburbs of Damascus, where security forces uncovered warehouses and factories used to manufacture Captagon. This discovery pointed to organized, large-scale drug production, directly tied to regime-linked structures.
In January 2025, the Ministry of the Interior seized around 100 million Captagon pills intended for smuggling through the port of Lattakia. The drugs were concealed using advanced methods, including packaging hidden inside children’s toys, and were set to be smuggled to markets across the Middle East and beyond. Similarly, in November 2025, the Anti-Drug Branch in the Badia region seized approximately 294,000 Captagon pills and 16 kilograms of hashish, marking another significant blow to drug trafficking operations.
Nationwide Operations Against Drug Networks
In 2025, Syria stepped up nationwide operations targeting drug trafficking networks. Among the key seizures was the interception of seven million Captagon pills bound for Saudi Arabia in May, which was seen as a major victory in disrupting criminal networks exploiting Syria’s instability. Additionally, Syrian forces in Daraa thwarted an attempt to smuggle over 800,000 narcotic pills. Authorities also discovered drug warehouses in Damascus and Aleppo, seizing large quantities of hashish and Captagon, with traffickers using industrial concealment methods to smuggle drugs across borders.
As part of a broader effort to suppress domestic drug trafficking, several networks operating in major cities like Damascus and Homs were dismantled, further weakening the reach of illicit trade across the country.
Regional and International Cooperation
Syria has actively pursued coordination with neighboring countries to combat transnational drug trafficking. In January 2025, cooperation with Jordan led to the interception of significant drug shipments bound for both Jordan and Saudi Arabia. In October 2025, joint efforts with Iraq resulted in the seizure of over 1.2 million Captagon pills and 108 kilograms of hashish, demonstrating the importance of cross-border collaboration in tackling the issue.
Syria also intensified cooperation with Lebanon in 2025, focusing on reducing smuggling along the shared border. These regional initiatives are part of a broader strategy to improve security and combat organized crime in the region.
International Engagement
Beyond regional coordination, Syria has engaged in international efforts to combat the global drug trade. In December 2025, Syria participated in the Third Baghdad Conference on Drug Control, discussing narcotics trafficking challenges and sharing best practices with international stakeholders. Syria also attended the 49th Arab Police and Security Chiefs’ Conference in Tunisia in November, where discussions centered on strengthening security coordination and establishing a regional information-sharing center to tackle drug-related crimes.
Despite challenges, including sophisticated smuggling methods and limited enforcement resources, Syrian authorities remain determined to dismantle drug trafficking networks. Through domestic operations, regional collaboration, and international cooperation, Syria aims to regain control over its territory and reduce the impact of illicit drugs on both national and regional stability.
