"Unveiling the Captagon Drug Trade: Secrets Emerge as Assad's Regime Falls"

"Unveiling the Captagon Drug Trade: Secrets Emerge as Assad's Regime Falls"
Image source: CBS News

Damascus — In the outskirts of Damascus, Syria, an abandoned potato chip factory has come to symbolize the clandestine operations of the former regime led by Bashar al-Assad. This site, now deserted, was once a hub for the production of Captagon, a powerful amphetamine that has fueled both local and international drug markets.

The discovery of this factory sheds light on the extensive drug trade that flourished under Assad's rule. Captagon, often referred to as the "poor man's cocaine," has been linked to funding various factions within the region, contributing to the ongoing instability in the Middle East. The drug's production and distribution have been a significant source of revenue for the regime, allowing it to maintain power amidst international sanctions and internal strife.

The CBS News team, who gained access to the site, reported that the factory was equipped with sophisticated machinery capable of producing large quantities of the drug. This operation was part of a broader network that extended beyond Syria's borders, implicating various actors in the region.

The fall of Assad's regime has led to the exposure of these illicit activities, prompting international calls for accountability and a crackdown on the drug trade. The Captagon industry, which has thrived in the shadows, is now under scrutiny as authorities seek to dismantle the networks that have profited from the chaos in Syria.

This revelation is a stark reminder of the complex interplay between politics, crime, and economics in conflict zones. As the international community grapples with the implications of the Captagon trade, efforts to stabilize the region continue to face significant challenges.

For more details, refer to the original report by CBS News.

Categories: World News, Crime & Justice, Politics & Government