A joint investigation by BBC News Arabic and OCCRP has uncovered extensive connections between the multi-billion dollar Captagon drug trade and high-ranking members of the Syrian Armed Forces, as well as President Bashar al-Assad's relatives. The investigation revealed evidence of senior Syrian officials' involvement in the trade, beyond those already implicated and sanctioned by the UK, US, and EU. Hezbollah, a Lebanese political party and militant group aligned with the Syrian government, was also implicated in the drug trade. The Syrian government has not responded to the allegations.
The investigation was sparked by the seizure of Raji Falhout's headquarters in Suweida, which contained Captagon pills, a pill-pressing machine, and evidence linking Falhout to the trade. Messages on an unlocked mobile phone found at the scene connected Falhout to a Lebanese contact identified as Hussein Riad al-Faytrouni, reportedly linked to Hezbollah. The involvement of Hezbollah in drug trafficking has long been suspected but denied by the group. Attempts to reach Falhout, al-Faytrouni, and Hezbollah for comments were unsuccessful.
The Syrian Armed Forces, including the elite Fourth Division led by Maher al-Assad, have also been implicated in the Captagon trade. Low soldier salaries have reportedly led many to engage in local drug dealing, with Hezbollah acting as the supplier. The Fourth Division, under Maher al-Assad, has become a major economic player and allegedly involved in smuggling activities. Disrupting the lucrative Captagon trade, which exceeds Syria's state budget, could threaten the survival of the Assad regime.
The investigation further revealed connections between the Captagon trade and the Assad family. A trial in Lebanon involving a prominent businessman, Hassan Daqqou, exposed evidence of the Assad family's involvement. Daqqou claimed collaboration with the Fourth Division in fighting Captagon trafficking but was found guilty of trafficking. However, no evidence implicating Syrian officials in his business was officially presented during the trial. Screenshots of WhatsApp messages sent by Daqqou to someone known as "The Boss" implicated Major General Ghassan Bilal, believed to be associated with the Fourth Division. Despite attempts to contact Bilal, no response was received.
The implications of high-ranking Syrian army officers and the Assad family's alleged involvement in the Captagon trade raise concerns. Syria's recent reintegration into the Arab League and President Assad's invitations to international events also highlight the international community's position on pressuring the regime to address its reliance on Captagon.
- BBC