The Captagon Crisis: A Silent Scourge for the Middle East

The Middle East, a geopolitical region whose lands around the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea are often associated with a rich cultural heritage, is facing a silent but profoundly destructive adversary: ​​the drug crisis. This crisis is centered around an amphetamine-based drug, widely known as “Captagon.” Originally formulated in Germany in the 1960s to treat conditions such as attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy, Captagon was eventually abandoned due to its addictive nature and adverse effects. About two decades later, Bulgarian criminal organizations began production of an illegal variant of Captagon, which subsequently proliferated in the Middle East (Felbab-Brown, 2024). This development marked the beginning of an enduring Captagon crisis, requiring immediate global attention and efforts to mitigate the problem.

Social and health concerns

The deleterious effects of addictive substances on the human body, particularly on internal organs, are well documented, leading to significant health complications of both psychological and physiological nature. Prolonged use of Captagon has been associated with the development of cardiovascular disorders, stroke, and life-threatening outcomes. In addition, the current crisis has precipitated a substantial increase in incidents of seizures and illicit distribution of the substance. The health impacts of Captagon extend beyond individuals, as the extensive use of the drug has given rise to public health concerns, such as an increase in drug-related overdoses, hospitalizations, and deaths. For example, in Iraq, the population with substance use disorders doubled between 2017 and 2021 (Waly, 2024).

The drug crisis is linked to youth unemployment and social discontent in the region. Many young people resort to substances such as Captagon to cope with the pressures and monotony of unemployment, a problem prevalent in countries such as Jordan, where the youth unemployment rate hovers around 50% (Abazid, 2022). The lack of job prospects not only leads to financial insecurity, but also cultivates feelings of hopelessness and marginalization among young people. This economic stagnation compounds psychological problems, reinforcing the appeal of drug addiction as an escape mechanism.

Economic consequences

The drug crisis is compounded by broader socio-economic challenges in the Middle East. The Captagon trade is fuelling illicit practices and corruption, with smuggling and trafficking individuals exploiting public infrastructure and political affiliations to transport significant quantities of the substance. As a result, this has led to economic setbacks and instability in countries such as Saudi Arabia, which has implemented a temporary ban on the import of fruits and vegetables from Lebanon due to the detection of Captagon in these products.

(Aftandilian, 2022). Countries such as Lebanon and Syria have experienced a severe economic crisis, which has led to the proliferation of organized drug trafficking operations. The driving force behind these operations is the need to generate income in a difficult economic context, thus fostering an environment characterized by corruption and bribery.

However, amid economic devastation, Captagon production and smuggling has become a crucial source of revenue for the Syrian government, led by Bashar al-Assad. The narcotics industry is estimated to have generated approximately $5.7 billion in 2021, representing a substantial portion of Syria’s overall GDP of approximately $20 billion. This reliance on the drug trafficking industry highlights the government’s severe financial challenges, while also intensifying social instability and corruption within the country. Furthermore, the global and local impacts of drug trafficking in Syria present significant challenges for neighboring states and play a role in the broader disruption of the Middle East region (Felbab-Brown, 2024).

E internationalefforts

The international community’s response to the Captagon crisis in the Middle East has been characterized by a diversity of approaches, spanning a range of strategies and measures to address the problem. One of the most significant initiatives is the United States’ interagency strategy, which focuses on several key areas. As a first step, it provides support to law enforcement in their efforts to investigate Captagon-related activities, ensuring the identification and prosecution of those involved. The strategy also deploys economic sanctions and various other mechanisms to disrupt and dismantle Captagon networks, with the aim of cutting off the financial and logistical support that underpins the illicit trade. In addition, the United States provides security assistance to countries heavily affected by the crisis, such as Jordan and Lebanon, thereby strengthening their capacities to combat Captagon trafficking. Finally, the strategy highlights the importance of fostering harmonized approaches with international organizations to strengthen the global response to Captagon, ensuring that attempts are coherent and effective across borders (Dagres, 2023).

The European Union (EU) has also implemented sanctions against individuals from Syria and Lebanon involved in Captagon trafficking. These measures aim to disrupt and dismantle networks involved in the manufacture and distribution of illicit substances (US Department of Treasury, 2024). However, the effectiveness of sanctions in practice is limited, as entrenched criminal leaders are not expected to change their behavior solely due to the imposition of sanctions.

Is it effective?

The Captagon crisis in the Middle East requires immediate global attention due to its significant social, health, and economic consequences. Proponents of this idea argue that coordinated international efforts, such as sanctions and law enforcement cooperation, are essential to managing the crisis. They argue that by focusing on the financial and operational underpinnings of Captagon networks, it is possible to significantly reduce the manufacture and distribution of the substance, thereby mitigating the health and social problems associated with it. Through the implementation of comprehensive tactics, the international community can help affected countries address the crisis, promote regional stability, and improve health standards (Graceffo, 2024).

However, the opposing view suggests that these measures, particularly sanctions, may not be enough to address the root problems of the crisis. Critics have argued that sanctions alone are not capable of dismantling deeply entrenched criminal networks or addressing the socio-economic circumstances that fuel the crisis. For example, high levels of youth unemployment and economic uncertainty in countries such as Syria and Lebanon contribute to the rise of Captagon as a coping mechanism. If these underlying issues are not addressed, the crisis could persist despite international interventions. Therefore, a more holistic approach, integrating economic progress and social protection initiatives, is imperative to establish sustainable solutions and reduce the appeal of Captagon.

Conclusion

The Captagon crisis in the Middle East represents a major social, economic and political challenge that requires a comprehensive international response. While enforcement of sanctions and laws plays a crucial role, it is not enough on its own. Addressing underlying issues, such as high levels of youth unemployment, financial uncertainty and government dishonesty, is crucial. Adopting a comprehensive approach that spans economic growth, education and social protection systems is essential to provide alternatives to drug trafficking and abuse. Strengthening regional collaboration and local capacity, while prioritising public health interventions, can help mitigate the health impacts of Captagon and provide assistance to affected communities. Ultimately, broad global commitment to these comprehensive strategies is essential to creating stability and well-being in the Middle East, paving the way for a safer and more prosperous future for the region.