Syrian authorities have announced the interception of a large-scale drug smuggling operation originating from Lebanon. According to a source within the Syrian Ministry of Interior, the attempt was thwarted in the Yabroud area, located in the Damascus countryside.
The seized contraband included 266 inflatable balloons reportedly used in smuggling operations, along with a significant quantity of marijuana. Authorities believe the intended destination for these illicit substances was Jordan and other Gulf countries.
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime approximately a year and a month ago, the Syrian government has continued to seize millions of Captagon pills across various regions. However, these efforts have not completely stopped the flow of narcotics.
The Syrian Minister of Justice, Mazhar al-Oweis, recently met with his Jordanian counterpart, Bassam al-Talhouni, in Amman to discuss strategies for combating drug smuggling, organized crime, and cross-border criminal activities. This meeting underscores the regional concern surrounding the ongoing trafficking issue.
In December of last year, the Jordanian army conducted raids targeting drug smuggling networks and storage facilities in the southern and eastern countryside of Suweida, located in southwestern Syria. These operations highlight the proactive measures neighboring countries are taking to address the drug trade.
In late October, the Syrian Ministry of Interior reported the seizure of 11 million Captagon pills from a vehicle arriving from Lebanon. This was described as the largest single seizure since the ministry began its operations. Prior to that, in June 2025, authorities announced the seizure of 3 million Captagon pills following a clash with a smuggling cell allegedly crossing into Syrian territory from Lebanon.
Captagon has reportedly become a major export for Syria since 2011. The sale of this illegal stimulant has allegedly been a significant source of funding for the Assad regime. Neighboring countries continue to report frequent seizures of substantial quantities of this drug, indicating the ongoing challenge of combating its production and distribution. The Syrian government continues to pledge commitment to battling drug trafficking across its borders.
