Drug trade between Syria and Lebanon: massive haul of jihadists’ drug Captagon

The two countries are the main production center and the crossroads of amphetamine trafficking. Common among the militiamen, because "it makes you fearless." Exports traveling in the direction of the Gulf States, especially Saudi Arabia. In Syria in 2015 about 24 million pills taken.

Beirut (AsiaNews) - Syrian and Lebanese forces have carried out a series of raids in recent weeks highlighting the grave problem of drug trafficking and consumption of drugs in the two countries, with special attention on Captagon. The latter, an older generation amphetamine, has established itself among men on the battlefield, as it is used by militants and jihadi suicide bombers to overcome sleep, hunger, fear and their inhibitions.

An official source in Beirut, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that "with the beginning of the crisis in Syria, Lebanon and Syria itself became a crossroads for Captagon trafficking. And Lebanon is emerging as a leading exporter country.

In late December, the Lebanese anti-drug teams, in coordination with the Saudis colleagues, seized 12 million capsules and arrested "the mastermind" of a cell that was in charge of all exports to the Gulf countries. Previously, always in Lebanon a Saudi dignitary and his entourage had been stopped at the Rafik Hariri International Airport, in possession of almost two tons of Captagon.

And in Syria, the situation is no different. General Maamun Ammuri, head of the Anti-Drug Department, reports that in 2015 alone the authorities seized about 24 million capsules. Five had been smuggled through Kuwait, from the port of Tartus on the Mediterranean. Another shipment was seized at the border with Turkey and Lebanon.

In Syria, the production takes place mainly in the centers that are currently not under the control of the government in Damascus, including the northern area around Aleppo and the suburbs of the capital. Two are under the control of the terrorists who, in most cases, benefit from the trafficking: they spread the poison in areas under the control of the Islamic State to finance the purchase of arms and ammunition; and again, for "drugging" jihadists and suicide bombers to carry out their suicidal actions or executions by decapitation without hesitation or second thoughts.

Several former fighters of the jihadist group confirm the systematic and widespread use of Captagon in the Islamic State. "It makes you fearless - says a source - and gives you extraordinary energy." However, tere is also growing discord within the militia over the legality  - according to Sharia – of the use of drugs.
Citizens of the Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia, are also among the biggest drug users. In this case Captagon is used as a "sexual stimulant." In November, the Saudi Minister of Interior revealed the seizure of more than 22.4 million amphetamine capsules. Drug traffickers are sentenced to death in the country.

• Syria
• Lebanon
• jihadists
• drug
• Captagon
• trade
• trafficking