Syria Launched a National Campaign on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

President Ahmed Shara and Interior Minister Enes Hattab at the launch of the "Drug-Free Syria" national anti-drug campaign. (SANA)

Marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, Syria launched a nationwide campaign aimed at preventing drug use, expanding addiction treatment, and intensifying the fight against smuggling networks—which authorities state expanded during the era of the former Assad regime.

The campaign, titled "Drug-Free Syria," was inaugurated with a ceremony held at the Conference Palace in Damascus, attended by President Ahmed Shara. Organized by the Ministries of Interior and Health, the initiative is part of a plan described by officials as a long-term national strategy that combines security operations with public awareness, education, treatment, and rehabilitation efforts.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ahmed Shara stated that the government views the fight against drugs as a "national effort" requiring cooperation between state institutions and society. Noting that Syria inherited a "heavy legacy" regarding drug production and trafficking from the previous era, Shara affirmed that efforts to dismantle production networks, cut off smuggling routes, and address the social and health consequences of addiction would continue. The President also called for increased regional and international cooperation, noting that cross-border trafficking requires partnerships extending beyond Syria's borders.

Interior Minister Enes Hattab described the fight against drug trafficking not merely as a security issue, but also as a "national and moral duty." He stated that the Assad regime had transformed Syria into a major source of Captagon and other "poisons," utilizing the drug trade as a source of illicit funding.

Hattab noted that specialized security units had achieved "significant and unprecedented" results in dismantling international smuggling networks, shutting down Captagon production facilities, and strengthening coordination with neighboring countries and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council.

According to Brigadier General Khalid Eid, Head of the Anti-Narcotics Department, 1,550 anti-drug operations have been conducted since the overthrow of the former regime. These operations resulted in the dismantling of 90 international smuggling networks, the closure of 17 Captagon production facilities, and the discovery of 20 warehouses.

In a statement to the press, Eid said that authorities had seized approximately 697 million Captagon pills, 15 tons of hashish, 10 million narcotic pills, 84.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 180 kilograms of cocaine, 7 kilograms of heroin, and 221 tons of chemical precursors used in drug production. The Ministry of Interior also announced that Jordanian and Syrian authorities, in a joint operation, had seized approximately 150,000 Captagon pills hidden inside vehicle tires at the Jaber Border Crossing.

Expansion of Prevention and Treatment Efforts

Health Minister Musab al-Ali stated that the campaign reflects the government's commitment to protecting public health through institutional cooperation with national bodies, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Wael al-Ras, Head of the Ministry of Health's Mental Health Department, noted that the ministry has established a Mental Health and Addiction Council and increased treatment capacity by opening new centers in Aleppo and Idlib. He also stated that certain facilities previously linked to drug-related activities have been converted into rehabilitation centers as part of the national expansion plan.

Eid explained that the government's approach distinguishes between smugglers and users; while addiction is treated as a health issue requiring care, criminal penalties remain in place for those involved in production and distribution. Authorities have also launched confidential hotlines and granted legal exemptions to individuals who voluntarily seek treatment.

The General Authority for Ports and Customs reiterated its determination to prevent drug smuggling at Syria's border crossings. Qutayba Badawi, the head of the authority, stated that customs personnel would maintain a state of high vigilance and continue to serve as a "strong barrier against drug smuggling." The government's campaign coincided with assessments by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) indicating that developments in Syria since December 2024 have disrupted Captagon production and weakened smuggling infrastructure. Syrian officials state that they aim to strengthen the country's long-term anti-drug strategy by maintaining security cooperation, expanding prevention programs, and enhancing regional coordination.