Iraqi security forces seized over a tonne of Captagon pills smuggled from Syria via Turkey, marking one of the largest drug seizures in recent years. The operation resulted in the interception of seven million pills and highlights enhanced cooperation between Iraq, the Kurdistan region, and Saudi intelligence. Captagon trafficking has escalated significantly, with regional efforts intensifying to combat this growing issue.
Iraqi security forces recently confiscated over a tonne of Captagon tablets, consisting of seven million pills, which were smuggled from Syria via Turkey. According to the interior ministry, a truck carrying 1.1 tonnes of this potent stimulant was intercepted. This operation marks one of the largest seizures of illicit drugs in Iraq in recent years.
General Moqdad Miri, the ministry spokesman, detailed that the drugs were transferred from a Turkish truck to an Iraqi truck near the border. The seizure represents the first of its kind since the deposition of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December, whose regime has been accused of large-scale Captagon production. Details surrounding any arrests connected with the seizure remain sparse.
The successful operation was conducted in collaboration with security forces from the autonomous Kurdistan region and was aided by crucial intelligence from Saudi security services. Captagon, an illegal stimulant, has emerged as Syria’s leading export amid the ongoing civil war that began in 2011. Iraq, along with neighboring countries Jordan and Saudi Arabia, is enhancing cooperation to combat trafficking.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that Iraq previously seized six million Captagon pills in 2022. It has since experienced a significant uptick in Captagon trafficking and usage, with authorities seizing a record-high 24 million tablets in 2023. Notably, around 82 percent of Captagon seized in the Middle East from 2019 to 2023 originated from Syria, followed by Lebanon at 17 percent.
Iraqi security forces’ recent seizure of over a tonne of Captagon demonstrates a significant effort to combat drug trafficking, particularly as Syria remains a central source of the narcotic. This operation underscores increased regional cooperation, especially between Iraq and Saudi Arabia, to address the rising challenges of illicit drug trade. The alarming escalation of Captagon trafficking reflects broader issues within the region, necessitating ongoing collaboration among affected nations.
Original Source: anfenglishmobile.com
