Anti-Narcotics Department arrest prominent drug traffickers in Nasib, Daraa, seizing 15,960 Captagon pills, 5,560 pharmaceutical pills, as well as weapons and ammunition. July 3, 2026 (Ministry of Interior/Social Media)
Syria’s Ministry of Interior (MoI) says cross-border drug smuggling
declined during the first half of 2026 following an intensified
series of counter-narcotics operations conducted between January and
June. According to the ministry, security forces carried out 84
operations during the six-month period, including 73 domestic
operations and 11 cross-border missions targeting drug trafficking
networks and individuals involved in promoting narcotics.
The ministry reported operations led to the seizure of over 31 million Captagon pills, 15.8 tons of raw materials used in drug manufacturing, approximately half a ton of hashish and marijuana, and 15 GPS devices allegedly used to facilitate smuggling activities. Officials said the results reflect continued efforts to disrupt trafficking networks and reduce their operational capacity. The ministry added security campaigns will continue with a focus on strengthening border security and pursuing those involved in the production and smuggling of illegal drugs.
Regional Cooperation Expands Enforcement
The announcement follows joint
operations between Syrian and Jordanian authorities that
dismantled a cross-border drug smuggling network, highlighting
ongoing regional cooperation against narcotics trafficking.
Syrian
officials have increasingly emphasized coordination with neighboring
countries as part of broader efforts to curb the movement of illicit
drugs across international borders. The MoI said cooperation with
regional partners remains an important component of its strategy to
combat organized smuggling networks that operate across multiple
jurisdictions.
Long-Term Results Since Government Change
The Anti-Narcotics Department released updated figures covering operations conducted since the fall of the Assad regime through the end of June. According to the ministry, authorities carried out 1,550 security operations during that period, dismantling 90 international drug smuggling networks and seizing substantial quantities of illegal narcotics and manufacturing materials.
Brig. Gen. Khaled Eid, director of the Drug Enforcement Administration, told the Syrian newspaper Al-Thawra authorities confiscated 697 million Captagon pills, 15 tons of hashish, 84.5 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 180 kilograms of cocaine, 7 kilograms of heroin, 10 million narcotic tablets and 221 tons of raw materials used in drug production during those operations.
The ministry released the updated statistics as officials marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, reaffirming their commitment to continued enforcement efforts and regional cooperation.
National Campaign Broadens Anti-Drug Strategy
Alongside its security operations, the Syrian government recently launched the national campaign, “Syria Without Drugs,” which aims to address the country’s drug challenges through a broader public policy approach. In addition to targeting criminal networks involved in the production, trafficking and distribution of narcotics, the campaign promotes medical assistance and treatment services for people affected by drug addiction while supporting social programs designed to help prevention and recovery.
Officials described the initiative as a comprehensive effort combining law enforcement with public health and community support, reflecting an approach intended to reduce both the supply of illegal drugs and the social impacts of addiction. According to the MoI, authorities will continue pursuing traffickers while expanding measures intended to support victims of substance abuse and strengthen long-term prevention efforts.