Syrian Forces Intercept Major Narcotics Smuggling Operation from Lebanon, Seizing Over 280kg of Drugs

Syrian security forces announced the successful seizure of 280 kilograms of hashish and 28,000 Captagon pills following a confrontation with smugglers attempting to transport the illicit substances from Lebanon. The Syrian Border Guard Forces intercepted the smuggling attempt in the Serghaya area, located in rural Damascus, as reported by Sana. According to the report, the smugglers initiated gunfire upon encountering the security forces, who returned fire, leading the culprits to retreat towards Lebanese territory. Sana stated, "The operation resulted in the seizure of 280 kilograms of hashish and 28,000 Captagon pills, with the seized items referred to the competent authorities to complete legal procedures." This incident follows a similar event last week where customs officials at the Jisr Qamar border crossing with Lebanon foiled an attempt to smuggle narcotics concealed within a speaker. Earlier in October, authorities at the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing confiscated over half a million Captagon pills, which were reportedly originating from Lebanon, Sana added.

Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine-like substance, saw mass production during Syria's civil war, which commenced in 2011. Its production and trade became a significant funding source for the regime of former president Bashar Al Assad. Since the downfall of the regime in December 2024, Syrian authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle the multibillion-dollar illegal drug network. This includes nationwide operations targeting illicit manufacturing sites and enhancing cross-border cooperation with neighboring countries. Syria has shifted its stance from being described by officials as a "Captagon hub" and a "source of threat" to an "active partner in combating" the drug trade, as announced last month. Despite these efforts, the border between Lebanon and Syria remains highly porous, facilitating ongoing smuggling of people, goods, and narcotics. The relationship between the two neighboring countries has historically been complex, marked by Syria's intervention in Lebanon during its civil war in 1976 and its subsequent period of tutelage, during which the Syrian Assad regime faced accusations of involvement in several political assassinations.