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Origins of Captagon -

Captagon, a brand name for fenethylline, was first synthesized in the '60s by a German pharmaceutical company as a treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy. It was banned due to its addictive properties.

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Captagon's reemergence -

Despite its ban in the '80s, counterfeit versions of Captagon resurged, flooding illicit drug markets and becoming especially prominent in the Middle East.

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What makes it addictive -

Captagon combines amphetamine and theophylline, creating a potent stimulant that produces euphoria, increased energy, and heightened focus, contributing to its widespread abuse.

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Syria's role in Captagon production -

Syria became a global hub for Captagon production, with the Assad regime allegedly playing a central role in manufacturing and trafficking the drug.

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Massive global impact -

Captagon is now a multi-billion-dollar industry, with its production concentrated in Syria and neighboring Lebanon, reaching markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

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Exporting addiction -

The primary consumers of Captagon are in the Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, where it's particularly popular among young people.

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Smuggling networks -

Traffickers smuggle Captagon through various routes, including Jordan, Iraq, and Turkey, often hidden in shipments of consumer goods or industrial equipment.

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Impact on Gulf nations -

Captagon's use has led to addiction crises in Gulf countries, prompting governments to crack down on trafficking and strengthen border security.

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Economic survival through drugs -

With the civil war and facing international sanctions, the Assad regime turned to Captagon manufacturing, generating billions in revenue and securing its hold on power despite economic isolation.

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Assad's wealth from Captagon -

Maher al-Assad, Bashar's brother, is accused of masterminding the lucrative Captagon trade, which has become a vital financial lifeline for Syria's ruling elite.

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State-sponsored drug empire -

As a result, the Captagon trade transformed into a vast, state-sponsored narcotics' empire, with the Assad regime and its allies controlling production, trafficking, and profits.

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Jordan's struggle with smuggling -

Jordan faces major challenges as a transit country, with frequent clashes between its border forces and traffickers attempting to smuggle Captagon into the Gulf region.

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Saudi Arabia's crackdown -

Saudi authorities have intensified efforts to intercept Captagon shipments, seizing millions of pills annually in an attempt to stem the tide of addiction.

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Lebanon's role in the trade -

Lebanon plays a critical role in Captagon production and smuggling, with certain factions reportedly complicit in the drug trade for financial gain.

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Captagon and militancy -

Armed groups in the region reportedly use Captagon to fund operations and fuel combatants, capitalizing on its profitability and stimulant effects.

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Consequences for youth -

Captagon's euphoric effects have led to widespread abuse among youth in the Gulf, creating a growing public health crisis.

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Regional stability at risk -

Captagon trafficking exacerbates regional instability, funding militant groups and straining relations between neighboring countries.

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Methods of concealment -

Smugglers use ingenious methods to hide Captagon, embedding pills in hollowed fruits, machine parts, or even furniture to avoid detection.

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Anti-trafficking efforts -

Countries like Jordan and Saudi Arabia have increased surveillance, border patrols, and interdiction efforts to combat Captagon trafficking.

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Economic toll on smuggling countries -

Transit nations bear economic burdens, such as increased security costs and societal damage from the drug trade.

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UN and global responses -

The United Nations and other international organizations have called for greater cooperation to address the Captagon trade and its global repercussions.

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Expansion to Europe -

Captagon trafficking into Turkey and the Balkans highlights its growing presence in Europe, signaling the drug's expanding global reach beyond the Middle East.

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Health risks of Captagon abuse -

Prolonged Captagon use leads to severe health issues, including heart damage, paranoia, psychosis, and long-term neurological effects.

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Captagon's role in war -

During Syria's civil war, combatants used Captagon to suppress fear and boost endurance, earning it the nickname "the jihadist drug."

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Local economies -

In regions where it is produced, Captagon generates illicit employment, contributing to a shadow economy that undermines legitimate industries.

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Political tool for Assad -

Experts argue that Assad used the Captagon trade as leverage in international negotiations, weaponizing the drug to pressure other nations.

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Sanctions -

Countries like the UK and US have raised alarms over Captagon's production in Syria. In 2023, both nations imposed sanctions targeting individuals connected to the trade.

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Efforts to counter the trade -

Hezbollah and Iranian-backed groups are accused of supporting Captagon production, fueling instability. The 2022, the US Captagon Act targeted this trade, addressing concerns about its global spread and addiction crisis.

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Global action -

With Captagon's impact spreading beyond the Middle East, coordinated international efforts are needed to address its production, trafficking, and abuse effectively.

Sources: (The Guardian) (CNN) (Al Jazeera) 

See also: Russia, Iran, China, and the West’s strategic influence on Syria

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