Syria's New Leadership Targets Captagon Trade

In a significant move, Syria's new rulers, led by the Islamist group Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have destroyed vast drug stockpiles, including one million Captagon pills. Captagon, a stimulant once majorly exported under Bashar al-Assad's regime, had transformed Syria into a prominent drug-producing state.

The Assad family's involvement, particularly Maher al-Assad, was pivotal in this lucrative trade. As HTS takes control, a crackdown on drug trade marks a shift in Syria's post-conflict landscape.

The new de-facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has initiated talks with Saudi Arabia to curb this illegal commerce. Besides Captagon, other substances like Tramadol and alcohol were also incinerated.

This action signifies a broader effort to dismantle the remnants of the Assad era and lay the groundwork for Syria's reconstruction following a protracted civil war. These developments reflect an ongoing transformation in Syria, aiming for stability and economic restructuring.