Captagon: The Stimulant of Syria

Captagon, a stimulant with hallucinogenic features, is finding extreme popularity in the Middle Eastern region, yet is practically unknown in other parts of the world. The drug was first created in West Germany to help those struggling with attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy, and mood disorders. It was illegalized in most countries in 1986 when it was determined that its addictive properties and negative effects, such as cardiovascular issues, outweighed any benefits. At the beginning of the twenty first century, Captagon began to be a popular drug used in social scenes of the Gulf countries. Surrounding states saw a sharp increase in captagon use, and in response the government emphasized drug enforcement. Syria soon took over production and distribution, and the narcotic scene has since been fuelling the Syrian civil war. Captagon has produced the majority of revenue for the country, and militants have been suspected of utilizing the drug effects as a stimulant in combat. Syria produces 80% of the world’s Captagon, and the drug is now Syria’s largest exported product. 

Surrounding countries have raised concerns about the intensity of Syria being newly established as a narcostate. Jordan has dealt with extensive consequences since it shares the southern border with Syria and is a main trade route to get to the Gulf states, where demand for the drug is exceptionally high. Jordanian government has confirmed that it would use force to prevent catagon trafficking into its borders if deemed necessary. There have been airstrikes that have hit suspected drug factories attributed to Jordan, although there has been no confirmation or denial from the government. Notably, nine drones carrying the drug have been shot down by Jordanian officials just this year. 

The al-Assad regime sparked controversy at the very beginning of its ruling. Once al-Assad was named president, anti-government riots broke out as part of Arab Spring, a series of pro-democracy protests that occurred throughout the Middle East and North Africa in 2010 and 2011. This initial backlash and al-Assad’s brutal response to the protestors is what catalyzed the hostile Syrian conflict that has now claimed the lives of over 300,000 civilians. The increasing violence and tension between Syria and other Middle East states is worrisome for nations watching across the globe. Western countries, such as the United States, have emphasized a desire for al-Assad to take responsibility for involvement with drug trafficking. Some news sources even claim that captagon will increase flow into European countries as Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries start cracking down on the illicit drug trafficking. 

The drug has gained so much traction so quickly largely because of its price: one pill usually costs between five to 20 USD which makes it extremely accessible. Captagon, also known as “poor man’s cocaine” is causing distress within Syrian borders as well. Syrian officials have also been accused of using Captagon as a stimulant for militia. Due to its “upper” side effects, it allows soldiers to maintain energy. Rebel groups in the state are also speculated to be taking the drug for better performance in warfare. 

Captagon has produced positive economic trends for the Syrian state, which has struggled since the conflict outbreak in 2011. The drug scene is suspected to be more financially successful than infamous drug cartels in Mexico, and its economic survival is primarily based on the extensive demand of this singular narcotic. The success of drug trafficking from Syria to the Gulf region is extremely improbable without the assistance of the current regime. It is widely speculated that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad is heavily involved with the captagon trade, although he denies the suggestion. Hezbollah, a militant group in Lebanon has also been accused of being involved with captagon trafficking alongside the al-Assad government. Although the evolution into a narcostate has hurt the individuals living in Syria by destabilizing societal norms and progressing forth the conflict, the Syrian government would benefit financially, and even politically, through its involvement. 

The Arab League, founded in 1945 to strengthen connections between Middle Eastern states, suspended Syria’s membership due to its failure to make appropriate initiatives to end the violence of the Civil War within the nation, and significant crackdowns on citizen protests to the regime. This suspension occurred in 2011, and just recently has been rescinded. President al-Assad has used the captagon crisis as a bargaining chip to gain readmission to the Arab League. Saudi Arabia is currently consuming the most captagon from Syria; the drug seems to be largely targeting youth who are using the drug for both academic purposes and experimental entertainment. Captagon, due its negative societal effect outside the borders of Syria, has resulted in neighboring states advocating for Syria to initiate measures to crackdown on the illegal trade. Prior to discussion centering around the potential of rejoining the collection of nations the Syrian government has made minimal motions towards striking down on the drug crisis, now there seems to be a push towards a stronger enforcement on drug smuggling in the region. Since the narco-state elite and leaders are gaining considerable revenue from drug trafficking, approximately 5.7 billion USD  has been earned from the trade as of 2021, there is minimal incentive to stop the prevalent trade. 

An Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia welcomed Syria in attendance in May 2023. There was no direct mention of the captagon crisis, but Arab League members voted and agreed to reinstate Syria’s membership after its suspension that lasted for over a decade. Whether or not Syria will deliver upon its promises to crackdown on drug trafficking is uncertain. However, if there is no action taken by the Syrian government, there is a strong probability that relations will continue to be strained. The impact captagon has had on Syria, internally and externally, is great, and without immediate damage control, it will continue to be a prominent aspect of Syria’s international status within the global community.