Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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December 22, 2025 Peace and security
Following regime change in Syria a year ago, the illicit production of Captagon, one of the most widely used synthetic drugs in the Middle East, has been significantly disrupted. This is according to a new analytical report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which contains preliminary findings from a large-scale study to be published in 2026.
Since December 2024, the new Syrian authorities have closed 15 industrial laboratories and 13 warehouses previously used for Captagon production and storage. However, the UNODC notes that production likely continues in other Middle Eastern countries. However, researchers have been unable to confirm the widespread belief that some Syrian production facilities may have been relocated to other regions, including Africa.
By the end of 2024, Captagon production in Syria reached several million tablets per day. Experts estimate that the accumulated stockpiles could sustain the illicit market for several more years, fueling regional smuggling networks.
The market is experiencing a shortage, and seizure volumes are growing
The Persian Gulf countries remain a key market for Captagon. Signs of shortages are already being reported in several countries in the region, likely due to increased anti-smuggling measures.
Since December 2024, the UNODC has confirmed at least 177 million tablets seized—approximately 30 tons—across the Arab region. The final figures may be higher as data collection continues.
At the same time, smugglers are actively seeking new routes. The report notes that transhipment and repackaging points in Western and Central Europe, as well as North Africa, are increasingly being used.
The region unites in the face of a common threat
As the threat mounts, countries in the region have stepped up cooperation, sharing intelligence, conducting joint operations, and coordinating efforts to curb illicit trafficking.
According to Bo Mathiasen, Director of Operations at the UNODC, political will and international cooperation were key factors in the record seizures in 2025. He noted that the market's expansion in previous years had divided the region, but now the need for decisive action is helping to consolidate it.
The UNODC warns that disrupting Captagon production chains could lead drug traffickers and users to switch to methamphetamine and other synthetic substances. This could accelerate the spread of new drugs in the region.
The study emphasizes that the fight against illicit drug trafficking must be combined with the development of scientifically based prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation systems. Only such a comprehensive approach will effectively counter the expansion of the synthetic drug market.
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