Background on Captagon and its Significance
Captagon is a type of amphetamine that has become notorious as an illegal drug, particularly in the Middle East. Originally a prescription medication used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders, it has been illicitly produced and trafficked for its stimulant effects. The drug gained prominence in Syria during the civil war that began in 2011, serving as a significant source of illicit funding for the government of Bashar al-Assad.
Who is Bashar al-Assad?
Bashar al-Assad is the current President of Syria, who has been in power since 2000. He inherited the position from his father, Hafez al-Assad, who ruled Syria for three decades. Bashar al-Assad’s leadership has been marked by the Syrian Civil War, which started in 2011 as a series of protests against his government. The conflict has resulted in widespread devastation, displacement, and loss of life.
Lebanese Military’s Action Against Captagon Production
On Monday, the Lebanese army announced the discovery and dismantling of “one of the largest Captagon production factories” in the country, located near the border with Syria. The factory was situated in Yammouneh, in Lebanon’s eastern Beqaa Valley, which borders Syria.
Details of the Factory Raid
- The military seized significant production machinery and confiscated a large quantity of Captagon pills.
- A 300-meter-long tunnel, used for entering and exiting the factory as well as storing cargo, was also filled in by the soldiers.
Captagon’s Role in the Syrian Conflict
During the Syrian Civil War, Captagon became a major export from Syria. It provided illicit funding to the government of Bashar al-Assad, contributing to its war efforts. When new Syrian authorities took over in December, they discovered substantial Captagon reserves in storage facilities and former military sites. They accused the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah, an ally of al-Assad, of trafficking Captagon across the border between the two countries.
International Pressure on Lebanon
Lebanon faces increasing pressure from conservative Gulf nations, which are major consumers of Captagon, to combat the drug’s trafficking. These countries view Lebanon as a transit point for illicit substances due to its geographical position and porous borders.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Captagon? Captagon is an amphetamine-based drug originally prescribed for treating narcolepsy and attention deficit disorders. It has been illicitly produced and trafficked for its stimulant effects, particularly in the Middle East.
- Who is Bashar al-Assad? Bashar al-Assad is the President of Syria, who has been in power since 2000. He succeeded his father, Hafez al-Assad, and has led the country through the ongoing Syrian Civil War since 2011.
- Why is Lebanon targeting Captagon production? Lebanon is under international pressure, especially from Gulf nations, to curb the trafficking of Captagon. The drug’s illicit production and export have made Lebanon a transit point for these substances, prompting the country to take action against this issue.
