Iraq confiscated by a ton of Captagon - drug war escalated!

Iraq confiscated by a ton of Captagon - drug war escalated!

Syrien, Syrien - Iraqi security forces have confiscated more than one ton of the stimulant Captagon in a significant campaign. According to Focus smuggled. The drugs were hidden in a truck where they were housed in ironing boards, and there were several arrests in connection with this confiscation. These events are part of an increasing trend, since the sale and consumption of drugs in Iraq have risen sharply in recent years.

During the civil war in Syria, the country still remains a central player in global drug trafficking. Before the fall of the Dictator Bashar al-Assad on December 8, which was carried out by rebels, led by the HTS, the main producer of Captagon in the Middle East was in the Middle East. Under the rule of the former regime, Captagon production was a lucrative business and contributed to maintaining the lifestyle of the Assad clan despite international sanctions and a weakening economy. It is estimated that Syria produced 80 percent of the global offer, with the market being secured by drug cartels and military.

The Captagon market and its actors

capagon is an amphetamine-like drug, which is often referred to as "jihad drug" because it is consumed by fighters from different extremist groups. The drug is also known as cheap because one tablet costs less than two euros. Their production and distribution have achieved an industrial extent in recent years, which has developed a multi -illium euro business. After the fall of Assad is uncertain whether Captagon production will collapse in Syria or whether alternative actors like the Hisbollah will try to take over the market to improve its economic situation.

The Hisbollah, which is closely linked to the Iranian government, has exploited Captagon's availability for years. In the past few decades, the drug has also been produced at the Bekaa level in Lebanon. Drug trade is a significant source of income for militant-religious groups and could also benefit the shady actors such as the Wagner Group after the death of their boss Jewgeni Prigoschin. Analysts indicate that North Korea could theoretically enter the Captagon market because the regime already produces Crystal Meth.

international effects and developments

European politics reacted to the threat of drug trafficking. In 2023, the EU published a sanction list that includes 25 people and eight organizations that are involved in drug trafficking, including close confidants of the Assad clan. The smuggling from Captagon to Europe has increased; Most recently, two million pills worth around 60 million euros were confiscated in Austria, with four Syrians being arrested. Germany acts as a transit country, while neighboring countries such as Jordan and Saudi Arabia strengthen their border controls to combat drug trafficking.

The spread of Captagon has transformed the Middle East into one of the largest producers and consumers of drugs. With the uncertainty about future control in Syria, concern is growing that drug trafficking could still flourish, while the international efforts to combat this epidemic must be reinforced. taz explains that despite the fall of Assad, the demand for capagon remains strong and the region faces new challenges.

The path that Syria is drawn back as the center of Captagon trade will be crucial for the future stability of the region. Kleine Zeitung emphasizes that the evolution of the drug market in Syria, but also international security. target.