Syria marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking June 26 by launching a nationwide campaign aimed at preventing drug abuse, expanding addiction treatment and intensifying efforts against trafficking networks which authorities say expanded under the former Assad regime.
The campaign, titled “Syria Without Drugs,” was inaugurated during a ceremony at the Conference Palace in Damascus attended by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Organized by the Ministries of Interior and Health, the initiative combines security operations with public awareness, education, treatment and rehabilitation as part of what officials described as a long term national strategy.
In remarks during the ceremony, Sharaa said the government considers combating drugs a “national effort” requiring cooperation across state institutions and society. He said Syria inherited “a heavy legacy” of drug manufacturing and trafficking from the previous era and pledged continued efforts to dismantle production networks, disrupt smuggling routes and address the social and health consequences of addiction. The president also called for greater regional and international cooperation, saying cross border trafficking requires partnerships beyond Syria’s borders.
Security Operations Target Smuggling Networks
Interior Minister Anas Khattab described combating drug trafficking as “a national and moral duty” rather than solely a security issue. He said the Assad regime transformed Syria into the largest source of Captagon and poison” and used the drug trade as a source of illicit financing.
Khattab said specialized security agencies achieved what he called “qualitative and unprecedented” results by dismantling international trafficking networks, closing Captagon production facilities and strengthening coordination with neighboring countries and Gulf Cooperation Council members.
According to Brig. Gen. Khalid Eid, director of the Drug Enforcement Administration, authorities conducted 1,550 anti narcotics operations since the fall of the former regime. Those operations dismantled 90 international smuggling networks, shut down 17 Captagon manufacturing plants and uncovered 20 storage warehouses.
Eid told the press authorities 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 Interior Ministry also announced Jordanian and Syrian authorities recently intercepted approximately 150,000 Captagon pills concealed inside vehicle tires at the Jaber border crossing during a joint operation.
Prevention and Treatment Expand
Health Minister Musab al Ali said the campaign reflects the government’s commitment to protecting public health through institutional cooperation with national agencies, the World Health Organization and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC).
Wael al-Ras, director of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Department, said the ministry has established a Mental Health and Addiction Council while expanding treatment capacity through new centers in Aleppo and Idlib. He added that some facilities previously linked to drug activities are being converted into rehabilitation centers as part of the national expansion plan.
Eid said the government’s approach distinguishes between traffickers and users, describing addiction as a health issue requiring treatment while maintaining criminal penalties for those involved in production and distribution. Authorities also introduced confidential reporting hotlines and legal exemptions for individuals who voluntarily seek addiction treatment.
Border Security and Regional Cooperation
The General Authority for Ports and Customs reaffirmed its commitment to preventing drug smuggling through Syria’s border crossings. Authority Director Qutaiba Badawi said customs personnel will continue serving as “a strong barrier against drug smuggling” while maintaining heightened vigilance.
The government’s campaign coincides with assessments from the UNDOC, which reported Syrian developments since December 2024 have disrupted Captagon production while weakening trafficking infrastructure. Syrian officials say they intend to build on those efforts through continued security cooperation, expanded prevention programs and broader regional coordination as part of the country’s long term anti narcotics strategy.
