Spain, Morocco dismantle drone network flying hashish across border Spanish authorities seized more than 150 kilograms of hashish and more than 320,000 euros ($371,820) in cash in searches across southern Spain. Morocco
Lebanon seizes $1.5M in cocaine at Beirut airport: What to know The country has recently stepped up its fight against drug trafficking, seizing large amounts of cocaine at ports and airports and targeting Captagon production. Lebanon
Lebanon announces 6.5M Captagon pills seized: What to know Lebanese authorities said they are coordinating with their neighbors to dismantle the drug trade as neighboring Syria steps up its own efforts following border clashes. Lebanon
Syria seizes Captagon with Turkish backing amid drug trade boom The new Islamist government in Syria has prioritized dismantling the Captagon trade, but the industry is still thriving. Syria
Saudi Arabia seizes 12.7 million Captagon pills in pomegranate bust Four people were arrested in a major drug bust, according to the state-owned Saudi Press Agency, including two Egyptians, one Syrian and one Yemeni national. Legacy: Gulf
EU slaps Captagon sanctions on relatives of Syria's Assad The European Union adopted new restrictive measures today against Syrian individuals and entities accused of trafficking narcotics and supporting the oppressive Syrian government. Syria
Saudi Arabia seizes 4.6 million amphetamine pills in bathroom shipment A Jordanian national was apprehended in Jeddah while receiving the amphetamine shipment hidden in ceramic toilets, sinks and washbasins. Legacy: Gulf
UAE busts 4.5 million Captagon pills in food cans after smuggler arrest Amphetamine fenethylline, known by its brand name Captagon, has increasingly become the drug of choice among youth in Gulf Arab states. United Arab Emirates
Three Lebanese soldiers killed in Bekaa drug raid Lebanon plays a big role in the Captagon trade, though authorities are trying to crack down on drugs. Lebanon
Why are foreign mobsters, drug gangs attracted to Turkey? A wave of foreign mobster violence in Turkey has raised alarm that the country has become a safe haven for criminal kingpins from the region and beyond. Turkey
Smugglers find new ways to bring drugs into Gaza Smugglers in the Gaza Strip are using new and unconventional methods to bring in narcotics hidden inside various goods, as local authorities struggle to stop them amid lack of equipment due to the Israeli siege. Palestine
Palestinians blame Israel for Gaza drug trade Gaza is experiencing a surge in illegal drug trafficking, addiction and crime. Palestine
Culture Narcotic sales on rise in Syria Syrians are trying to escape deteriorating economic conditions and security pressures from government forces in the regime-controlled areas by resorting to tranquilizers and sedatives. Syria
Traffickers use refugees to smuggle drugs from Iran to Turkey There are growing claims and indications that refugees illegally crossing the Iranian-Turkish border, the route of an exodus from Afghanistan to the West, are forced to smuggle drugs by their traffickers. Turkey
Iraqi soldiers killed in desert operation as drug busts surge Massive amounts of drugs are being smuggled across Iraqi borders while a large anti-terrorism operation including Iran-linked forces and US-led coalition support continues. Iraq
Another Captagon bust in Saudi Arabia as drug war continues The discovery of more than 3 million pills of the drug in Dammam on the Persian Gulf is at least the fourth bust in Saudi Arabia this year. Saudi Arabia
