The fall of the al-Assad regime in Syria has brought to light large stockpiles of the illicit drug captagon. Syrian rebels have reportedly uncovered these stockpiles, which are believed to be linked to the former regime’s military headquarters, implicating them in the drug’s manufacture and distribution.
However, it is important to note that captagon was once a pharmaceutical drug with a legitimate medical use. The original brand name, Captagon, was a synthetic pharmaceutical stimulant developed in Germany in the 1960s as an alternative to amphetamine and methamphetamine. It contained the active ingredient fenethylline and was primarily used for conditions such as ADHD and narcolepsy.
While Captagon had similar effects to amphetamines, such as increasing dopamine levels in the brain to enhance focus, concentration, and stamina, it also had unwanted side effects like low-level psychosis. The drug was initially available over the counter in Europe before becoming prescription-only and was eventually discontinued for pharmaceutical use by 2009.
The illicit trade of captagon took over, with illegally manufactured versions commonly referred to as captagon. This black-market drug is now predominantly produced in Syria and surrounding countries like Lebanon, mostly for recreational use in the Middle East. It is known for its stimulant effects, earning it the nickname “chemical courage” as it is believed to be used by soldiers in conflict zones to boost energy and focus.
Reports suggest that captagon has become one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in Syria, with a significant market value estimated at over $7.3 billion in Syria and Lebanon between 2020 and 2022. Despite efforts to crackdown on manufacturing and distribution, the demand for captagon is likely to persist, as new suppliers emerge to meet the market demand.
In conclusion, the discovery of large captagon stockpiles in Syria highlights the complex history and evolution of this drug from a pharmaceutical medication to a widely abused illicit substance. The ongoing presence of captagon in the Middle East underscores the challenges of controlling the illicit drug trade and the need for comprehensive strategies to address drug abuse and trafficking in the region.
