Syria’s dictator gone — but his drug dealers are still busy

After the country’s dictator fled, rebel groups raided warehouses, villas and secret laboratories before inviting international media to see the facilities for themselvesImage: Omar Haj Kadour/AFP/Getty Images

| Published March 26, 2025

In the aftermath of Syria’s political upheaval and the exile of former President Bashar al-Assad, the country remains entangled in a thriving illicit drug trade. Despite Assad’s removal from power, Syria’s production and trafficking of Captagon—a potent amphetamine—continues, casting a shadow over the nation’s path toward stability and reconstruction.

Captagon: Syria’s Notorious Export

Captagon has long been Syria’s most infamous export, earning the country the moniker “Narco-State.” This amphetamine-based drug generates billions of dollars annually, often eclipsing Syria’s legitimate exports. The drug trade not only fuels criminal networks but also funds armed groups, including remnants of the Assad regime.

Maher al-Assad’s Central Role

Maher al-Assad, the younger brother of Bashar al-Assad and commander of Syria’s elite Fourth Armored Division, is a key figure in the country’s narcotics operations. Under his leadership, the Fourth Division has facilitated the large-scale production and smuggling of Captagon, enabling Syria’s dominance in the illicit drug market.

International Sanctions and Arrest Warrants

In response to Syria’s involvement in the Captagon trade, international bodies have imposed sanctions on figures associated with the Assad regime. In 2023, France issued an arrest warrant for Maher al-Assad, charging him with complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity, linked to the 2013 chemical attacks on civilians. These actions reflect growing global efforts to hold individuals accountable for both the drug trade and human rights abuses.

The Enduring Drug Trade

Despite Assad’s exile, the entrenched networks involved in Captagon production remain intact. These networks, bolstered by years of corruption and military complicity, present a formidable challenge to Syria’s recovery. The persistence of the drug trade undermines the potential for peace, economic growth, and international reintegration.

The Road Ahead

For Syria to dismantle its narco-economy, it will require sweeping reforms, stronger rule of law, and coordinated international support. Without addressing the pervasive influence of the Captagon trade, Syria risks remaining mired in criminality and corruption, even as it seeks to rebuild from years of conflict.

This enduring crisis serves as a stark reminder that political change alone is insufficient to overcome the legacies of conflict and corruption. True stability will depend on dismantling the shadow economy that continues to thrive in the wake of Assad’s departure.

Conclusion

despite the political changes in Syria, the country remains a hub for drug trafficking, particularly Captagon. Key figures like Maher al-Assad and Nouh Zaiter continue to dominate and expand the trade, underscoring the deep entrenchment of criminal networks. This ongoing issue poses significant challenges for regional stability and efforts to combat the illegal drug economy.

SOURCES: DW – Syria’s dictator gone — but his drug dealers are still busy