- Home
- MedBound Hub
- InternshipInternship
- BiographyBiography
- InterviewInterview
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Physical Therapy
- Biotechnology
- College/InstituteCollege/Institute
- Dentistry
- Blog
- Wellness & Nutrition
- Nursing
- Opinion
- Videos
Bashar al-Assad's brutal rule was a major factor in his regime's fall to rebel forces in Syria. Now, the discovery of large stockpiles of the illegal drug captagon has also been linked to his downfall. After the fall of the al-Assad regime in Syria, Syrian rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have reportedly uncovered vast stockpiles of the illicit drug captagon. As per the reports captagon pills were found hidden in electrical components intended for export near Damascus. These caches, allegedly tied to former military headquarters under Assad's control, have deepened suspicions about the regime's involvement in the drug's production and trafficking networks.
Interestingly, captagon did not always carry such a notorious reputation. Originally introduced as a pharmaceutical drug in 1960s Germany.
Captagon (note the capital 'C') was marketed as a synthetic stimulant with therapeutic applications. Containing fenethylline as its active ingredient, it was prescribed for conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Its effects, including increased dopamine levels, enhanced focus, stamina, and a sense of euphoria, made it comparable to stimulants like dexamphetamine, which are still in medical use today.
However, Captagon also came with adverse effects, including low-level psychosis, which contributed to its eventual withdrawal from the market. Initially popular in the Middle East and parts of Europe, it was sold over the counter before becoming prescription-only.
By the 1980s, it was classified as a controlled substance in the United States and, over time, became outlawed globally. The International Narcotics Control Board reported that its legitimate production ceased entirely by 2009.
Often referred to as "chemical courage," it gained notoriety for its use among combatants in conflict zones across the Middle East, including reports of its presence on the bodies of Hamas fighters.
With the end of legal manufacturing, captagon resurfaced as an illicit drug. The black-market version is relatively easy and inexpensive to produce, making it an attractive commodity for traffickers. Today, Syria and neighboring Lebanon have become the epicenters of captagon production, with the drug being widely consumed for recreational purposes in the Gulf states and war zones.
Between 2020 and 2022, captagon reportedly generated an estimated $7.3 billion across Syria and Lebanon, averaging around $2.4 billion annually. This staggering revenue positioned it as one of Syria’s most valuable exports, fueling the regime’s finances during years of civil conflict. Despite seizures and crackdowns on production, the drug’s entrenched demand and straightforward manufacturing process suggest that any disruptions to the market are likely to be short-lived.
As Assad’s 24-year reign came to an end following an offensive led by HTS and allied rebel groups, revelations about the regime’s reliance on drug trafficking further underscored its exploitation of Syria’s resources and people. With the fall of the regime, captagon production and its devastating impact have become a focus for understanding the legacy of Assad's governance.
Efforts to curb captagon production and trafficking often result in temporary disruptions, as new manufacturers and networks quickly emerge to meet ongoing demand. Given the scale and profitability of the trade, addressing the captagon crisis will likely require extensive international cooperation and robust strategies to dismantle the infrastructure supporting its illicit production.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)
