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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.
People shop at a pharmacy on February 16, 2019, in Hajin, Syria.

DAMASCUS, Syria — Wafaa Keshi, head of the Syrian Pharmacists Syndicate, warned against an increase in demand for tranquilizers among Syrians.

In a press statement distributed to media outlets close to the Syrian government on Aug. 23, Keshi explained that Syrians are increasingly turning to narcotics mainly because of the acute crises and wars plaguing Syria and triggering mental illness.

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