Iraqi security forces seized over one tonne of Captagon pills smuggled from Syria via Turkey, marking one of the largest drug seizures in recent years. The operation, supported by international cooperation, highlights the challenge of combating drug trafficking, particularly in relation to Captagon, which largely originates from Syria. Authorities reported a record number of seizures in recent times, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance against this growing issue.
Iraqi security forces have successfully seized over one tonne of Captagon tablets, a significant haul consisting of approximately seven million pills smuggled from Syria through Turkey, as reported by the interior ministry. This operation marks one of the largest drug seizures in Iraq in recent years, according to Ministry spokesman General Moqdad Miri.
The authorities intercepted a truck from Syria that was destined for Iraq via Turkey, which contained approximately 1.1 tonnes of the powerful synthetic stimulant. This development is particularly notable as it is the first announcement relating to such a seizure since the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December, who has been accused of mass-producing Captagon.
Video footage disclosed by the interior ministry revealed that the illicit drugs were transferred from a Turkish truck to an Iraqi truck nearby a border crossing. General Miri confirmed there have been arrests made, although specifics regarding the number or nationality of detainees were not provided. The operation benefited from coordination with security forces in the Kurdistan region and substantial intelligence from Saudi security agencies.
Captagon, an illegal amphetamine-like stimulant, surged as Syria’s leading export amid the civil war that began in 2011. In recent years, Iraq has heightened collaboration with its neighbors, particularly Jordan and Saudi Arabia, to tackle drug trafficking efficiently. Iraq previously announced a seizure of six million pills in 2022, and more recently, in 2023, authorities confiscated a record number of 24 million Captagon tablets.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC), the prevalence of Captagon trafficking has risen sharply, with about 82 percent of the seized narcotics in the Middle East between 2019 and 2023 traced back to Syria, while Lebanon accounted for 17 percent.
In conclusion, the recent seizure of over one tonne of Captagon tablets by Iraqi security forces underscores the ongoing challenges posed by drug trafficking in the region. This operation, aided by international cooperation, highlights the increasing prevalence of Captagon as a significant problem, particularly originating from Syria. As Iraqi authorities continue to combat this issue, the need for enhanced collaboration with neighboring countries remains critical to address the growing threat effectively.
Original Source: anfenglishmobile.com
