In Syria, Islamist-led fighters from Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) have uncovered significant captagon production operations linked to Bashar Assad’s regime. After seizing military facilities, they revealed warehouses packed with captagon pills hidden in electrical components, indicating a sophisticated smuggling network involving high-ranking officials like Maher Assad. The ongoing drug trade not only supports the regime but also poses serious public health risks, leading HTS to commit to destroying the drugs they’ve discovered as they work to form a transitional government.
In the wake of the Syrian regime’s collapse, a revealing discovery of captagon production has emerged, uncovering a vast network tied to Bashar Assad’s rule. Islamist-led fighters, primarily from the Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), have seized military installations and found warehouses laden with captagon pills, highlighting the scale of this illicit drug trade. HTS fighters discovered these drugs concealed in electrical components, indicating a sophisticated smuggling operation orchestrated by Maher Assad, the brother of Bashar Assad, alongside his partner, Amer Khiti. The capsulization and exportation of captagon have contributed significantly to Assad’s regime even amidst the ongoing civil war, with estimates indicating that this trade has far surpassed Syria’s legal exports. Moreover, smaller caches have been located at military bases under Maher Assad’s command, revealing a persistent and systemic issue within the Syrian landscape. As HTS assumes more control, they have publicly pledged to eradicate these harmful substances, asserting their commitment to the health of the populace.
The discovery of captagon production in Syria is a significant aspect of the country’s troubled political landscape, where the regime of Bashar Assad has faced increasing challenges amid a prolonged civil conflict. Captagon, an amphetamine-type stimulant, has not only become an illegal export but has been utilized as a vital financial resource that has propped up the government throughout the turmoil of the last thirteen years. As the conflict progresses and various factions vie for control, the ramifications of this drug trade extend far beyond Syrian borders, raising concerns about public health and safety in the region.
The findings related to captagon production and trade expose a critical aspect of the Syrian civil war, revealing the convoluted ties between drug trafficking and regime survival. As HTS fighters dismantle operations previously affiliated with the Assad regime, the future of Syria’s drug trade remains uncertain. With a commitment to eradicating harmful substances, HTS will face the challenge of restructuring the nation while addressing the multi-billion-dollar illicit drug economy that threatens both local and regional stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
