Unveiling Drug Trafficking Ties to the Syrian Regime
The investigative program "Al-Mutahhari" has exposed alarming connections between the Syrian regime and drug trafficking networks, particularly focusing on the notorious Captagon pills. Utilizing a field team that infiltrated these networks, the program aired on Al Jazeera 360, revealing intricate details about drug manufacturing sites, transportation methods, and market dynamics. The broadcast included audio recordings and video clips that showcased vehicles loaded with drugs crossing checkpoints controlled by the Fourth Division, led by Maher al-Assad, the brother of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Captagon Production and Smuggling Routes
The investigation highlighted a comprehensive map of drug trafficking routes, starting from the Syrian-Lebanese border, where Captagon is manufactured, to key smuggling points such as the Yugoslav port in Latakia. This port serves as a major outlet for shipping drugs to destinations including Libya, Greece, and Italy. Suleiman Ghaneija, a member of the Syrian Air Force Intelligence, provided insights into the operations, indicating that Syria's involvement in drug trafficking extends beyond mere smuggling, intertwining with political agendas.
The Role of the Fourth Division and Key Figures
The Fourth Division's influence in the drug trade is underscored by the establishment of several companies linked to the Syrian regime after 2011. Karam Al-Shaar, director of the Syria program at the Political and Economic Networks Observatory, noted that large-scale Captagon production has shifted to Latakia, with significant activities also occurring in Daraa and near the Iraqi border. The program's findings implicated notable figures, including Mudar Rifaat al-Assad, who is on the EU's blacklist, and Brigadier General Ghassan Ali Bilal, emphasizing the deep-rooted connections between drug trafficking and the Syrian military apparatus.
- The investigation also included a fake deal with a prominent Captagon dealer, who detailed various drug types popular in Gulf and European markets. This not only highlighted the economic aspects of the drug trade but also illustrated the pervasive nature of drug use within Syria. The program further explored the role of Iyad Jaafar, a drug baron known for his hashish farms and connections to the Fourth Division, revealing how state security forces facilitate drug smuggling operations.
