Given the loss of control over significant portions of the country, the Assad regime strategically employs the Captagon business as a survival mechanism. In the face of the country's economic collapse, the illicit drug trade under the Assad regime has evolved into a vital source of income. Simultaneously, Syrian drug cartels turned to the synthetic stimulant Captagon to generate financial resources despite international sanctions. The Levant cartels, composed of members from the Syrian security apparatus, the extended Assad clan, and the Lebanese Hezbollah, assert dominance over the Captagon trade in the region. Consequently, Syria emerged as a significant production hub for Captagon following the onset of the civil war in 2011, with the Levant cartels orchestrating production, smuggling, and distribution.

The global ramifications of these developments are palpable, as the Levant cartels not only supply the Middle East but also Europe with Captagon, capitalising on a substantial market there. They intensify their presence in the region and cultivate relationships with local groups. The proliferation of the Captagon business poses a serious security threat, providing considerable financial resources to extremist groups, including the Lebanese Hezbollah. The consequences of the Captagon business have now reached Germany, where increasing drug smuggling activities related to Captagon are observed. Addressing this threat effectively, involves enhanced international collaboration.

Read the entire analysis "Die Drogen-Kartelle des Assad-Regimes – Terrorismusfinanzierung und Organisiertes Verbrechen: Die hybride Bedrohung des Captagon-Business" here as a PDF.

This publication is only available in German.