LONDON: Syrian and Iraqi counter-narcotics authorities have cracked down on criminal networks, seized drugs and arrested several suspects in a cross-border joint operation.
The Syrian Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that authorities intercepted a significant drug shipment, seizing 108 kg of hashish and more than 1.27 million captagon pills, valued at millions of US dollars on the street.
Syria’s Anti-Narcotic Directorate and Iraq’s General Directorate for Drug Control have arrested several suspects linked to transnational smuggling networks. The operation is the second major crackdown on drug gangs between Iraq and Syria. In July, Iraqi authorities dismantled a criminal network in the Syrian capital, Damascus, involved in international drug trafficking.
“The operation is part of a series of ongoing international efforts carried out by Syria’s Anti-Narcotic Directorate in collaboration with both neighboring and allied countries,” the Syrian Interior Ministry said.
It highlighted that these efforts were part of security and intelligence coordination to combat the global drug trade.
“We will remain resolute in our efforts to protect our youth and national security from the devastating effects of drug trafficking.
“We will continue working closely with our international partners to enhance cooperation and ensure the safety and stability of Syria and the wider region,” the statement added.
On Monday, the Syrian Interior Ministry announced the seizure of about 12 million captagon stimulant pills during a raid on a drug-smuggling network operating near Damascus.
Captagon, an amphetamine-like drug, became Syria’s largest export during the 2011 civil war, providing crucial funding for the government of the now-ousted president Bashar Assad.
Since the fall of Assad, authorities have reported significant drug seizures nationwide and are collaborating with neighboring countries to combat the global drug trade, which remains a pressing issue in the Middle East.
