Iraq and Lebanon Collaborate to Destroy Captagon Manufacturing Facility
Iraqi and Lebanese intelligence agencies have achieved a significant milestone in their joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, with the discovery and dismantling of one of Lebanon’s largest manufacturing plants for Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine. This collaborative initiative was announced by Iraq’s Ministry of Interior and highlights the strengthening security ties between the two nations amid an ongoing regional effort to address the pervasive drug trade.
The operation was reported late on Monday and follows a previous alert from the Lebanese army regarding the identification of a drug factory in Yammoune village, located in the eastern Bekaa Valley. The Lebanese operation, which occurred in mid-July, was facilitated by intelligence shared by Iraqi authorities, underscoring the importance of cooperation between Arab nations in tackling this pressing issue.
A senior official from the Lebanese security apparatus noted that the rationale behind Iraq’s announcement remains unclear, though it is indicative of the ongoing communication between Lebanon’s security entities and their counterparts in the Arab world and beyond. The region’s commitment to bolstering security has become increasingly vital as these nations intensify efforts to eradicate the extensive drug trade that has detrimental social and economic impacts.
The large-scale production of Captagon is predominantly centered in neighboring Syria, with some operations extending into Lebanon. Reports from Western governments have indicated that the Captagon trade has previously generated significant revenue for the former regime of Bashar al-Assad and his network of allies. While these claims have been contested by the ousted leader’s government, the resurgence of the substance’s prominence in the region’s illicit markets reflects an enduring challenge.
Following the collapse of Assad’s regime in December 2011, opposition forces swiftly uncovered extensive Captagon stockpiles, further intertwining the drug with Syria’s tumultuous political narrative. Ahmed al-Sharaa, a prominent figure within the opposition who has since assumed the role of interim Syrian president, has pledged to implement stringent measures against Captagon production and distribution to restore order and public trust.
In response to the urgent threat posed by the drug trade, interior ministers from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Iraq convened in Amman earlier this year to discuss collaborative strategies for combating the illegal drug market. Their discussions culminated in an agreement to establish a joint telecommunications framework to facilitate the exchange of crucial intelligence.
Smugglers often exploit Jordan’s pathways to transport Captagon, primarily targeting the affluent Gulf states. The strengthened cooperation among Arab nations, illustrated by these recent security operations, signals a unified commitment to addressing and mitigating the impacts of drug trafficking in the region.
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