864: Caroline Rose | Captagon and the New Age of Narco-Diplomacy

Origin & Effects

Caroline Rose explains that Captagon, an amphetamine-type stimulant, originated in the 1960s as a pharmaceutical for weight loss and attention deficit disorder. Initially produced by De Gusa AG, it was later banned due to health risks like pulmonary and cardiovascular issues 1. Today, Captagon is a street drug primarily in the Middle East, with its composition varying widely, making it akin to methamphetamine production in the U.S. 1. Despite its massive impact, Captagon remains largely unknown in the U.S. 2.

Captagon is kind of a niche drug globally, but in the Middle East, it's incredibly popular.

--- Caroline Rose

The lack of awareness in North America and Europe is partly due to limited data on its effects and the stigma surrounding drug use in the Middle East 3.

   

Economic Impact

Captagon's trade has turned Syria into a Mediterranean narco-state, with its economic impact surpassing legal exports by a significant margin. Caroline Rose notes that the Captagon trade is estimated to be worth $5.7 billion, dwarfing Syria's legal exports 4. The production is concentrated in regime-held areas, with officials aligned with the Assad regime heavily involved 5.

The drug trade for Syria is multiple times larger than their actual legitimate product exports.

--- Caroline Rose

This illicit economy is not only a major revenue source but also a complex network involving tribal entities and narco-entrepreneurs, making it a formidable challenge to dismantle 6.

   

Syrian Involvement

The Syrian government, particularly figures close to Bashar al-Assad, is deeply intertwined with the Captagon trade. Caroline Rose highlights that elite military units and Assad's brother are involved in smuggling operations 7. Despite international efforts to curb the trade, the regime's involvement complicates diplomatic relations, as Captagon remains a significant revenue stream 8.

It's hard to guess and to determine exactly how much the producers and the primary traffickers are making from this.

--- Caroline Rose

The regime's control over the judiciary and law enforcement further hinders international cooperation, making it difficult to address the issue effectively 9.