Captagon, originally developed as a pharmaceutical amphetamine in the 1960s, has evolved into a highly addictive black-market drug with widespread abuse in the Middle East. Known as “Abu Hilalain” in Arabic, it is especially popular in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, where its affordability and potent effects overshadow its dangerous health risks.
While historically produced in Eastern Europe, Turkey, and Lebanon, Captagon production has shifted almost entirely to Syria, now regarded as the “Captagon capital of the world.” The drug’s production and distribution are closely tied to networks involving Hezbollah and Syrian military figures, further entrenching its role in the illicit drug trade. Outside of the Middle East, Captagon is virtually unheard of.
Captagon’s proliferation highlights the growing challenge of combating its production and trafficking, especially as Syria dominates the global supply chain.
The primary funding for much of the Captagon trade stems from Gulf States like Saudi Arabia and the UAE—countries that actively support efforts to combat the Assad regime and its Hezbollah allies. Ironically, substantial evidence indicates that both Hezbollah and the Assad regime are deeply involved in and profiting from the Captagon trade. For Saudi Arabia, which views its Captagon problem as a “national shame,” the revelation that money spent by partying Gulf citizens likely ends up in the hands of Hezbollah and the Syrian government is particularly troubling.
Syria’s economic crisis and international sanctions intensified the production and trafficking of Captagon, with the Assad regime and Syrian military units profiting heavily from the trade. Experts estimate over $1 billion worth of Captagon has been seized in the region since April.
Despite Arab states renewing ties with Assad partly in hopes of curbing the trade, Syria showed little intent to stop production. Jordan adopted a dual approach: collaborating with Damascus to combat the issue while also taking aggressive measures, such as airstrikes on drug labs, assassinating key dealers, and intercepting drug-laden drones.
The Captagon trade is not confined to the Middle East; recent reports from Germany reveal Syrian drug labs operating in Europe, with $20 million in Captagon uncovered. As Syria seeks additional revenue, the drug trade is expected to expand further into European markets.
