Jordan has recently taken a bold step in the continuing fight against the Assad regime and Iran-backed drug trafficking by hosting a meeting to discuss strengthening cooperation in the field of drug control with the Assad regime, Lebanon, and Iraq. This move comes in response to the increasing threat posed by drug smuggling and manufacturing operations, allegedly backed by official entities, within the region.
The meeting, set to take place in Amman, will bring together interior ministers from the governments of the Assad regime, Lebanon, and Iraq. The primary focus of the discussions will revolve around combating the drug scourge and enhancing security cooperation to address the common challenges that threaten peace in the region. The goal is to achieve the highest national interests of the participating countries by bolstering collaborative efforts in combating the drug trade.
This meeting highlights the severity of the drug-related issues facing the region. Major General Tayel Al-Majali, the former Director of the Jordanian Drug Control Department, emphasized the alarming presence of over 295 narcotic substance factories within Syria. Furthermore, it reminded that “official bodies” with ties to the Assad regime are believed to be complicit in the drug manufacturing and smuggling operations, as evidenced by the advanced weaponry and devices possessed by smuggling groups.
Al-Majali’s remarks shed light on the intricate web of drug trafficking, implicating official entities and raising concerns about the extent of their involvement. The possession of sophisticated military equipment and advanced technological devices by these smuggling groups points to the potential support from state actors, thereby intensifying the urgency of addressing these issues through comprehensive regional cooperation.
