The investigation highlights the alarming scale of Captagon production in Syria, raising concerns about the involvement of state officials in the drug trade.
The deceptive packaging methods used by the factory illustrate the lengths to which producers will go to disguise their operations, posing significant public health risks.
The rise of Captagon as Syria's largest export reflects the broader economic challenges facing the country, where legal industries have collapsed.
If the production of Captagon continues unchecked, Syria may face increasing domestic drug abuse issues, further complicating the country's recovery efforts.
The international community may respond with stricter sanctions or interventions aimed at curbing drug production and trafficking in the region.
As drug revenues become more integral to the Syrian economy, the potential for further corruption and complicity among state officials may grow.
Al Jazeera's correspondent recently conducted an investigative tour of one of the largest Captagon production plants located in Douma, Syria. The factory, situated in a remote mountainous area, is believed to be operated semi-officially by senior state officials, as it is heavily guarded and controlled. The production process involves packaging Captagon pills in deceptive forms, such as orange juice boxes, misleading local residents who think the factory produces child-friendly products.
The factory's facade promotes juice and chips, but inside, it is a hub for narcotic production. Captagon pills are also packaged in small plastic bags, similar to depictions in drug-related films. Al Jazeera's footage revealed large quantities of Captagon pills scattered throughout the facility, indicating significant production levels.
This factory is reportedly one of the largest narcotic manufacturing sites in Syria, amidst a backdrop of military control. The area was previously dominated by the regime's army, and the presence of military points nearby suggests a strong connection between the factory's operations and state authorities. Captagon has become a major export for Syria, surpassing all legal exports combined, as the country has increasingly relied on drug revenues since the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
