Syrian authorities seize Captagon disguised as pottery

Syria’s Ministry of the Interior announced another Captagon drug bust Monday.

The ministry said in a statement that it seized 24 kilograms (53 pounds) of Captagon after receiving a tip and arresting the alleged drug dealer. The substance was apparently molded into the form of pottery plates under a brown coating.

What it is: Captagon is an amphetamine-type drug widely used in the Middle East. It gained notoriety for its use by Islamic State fighters in battle from 2014 onward. 

Why it matters: Syria is on the front lines of the Middle East’s drug war, especially with regard to Captagon. In June, Syrian authorities announced a record 2.3-ton seizure of the drug. 

The Syrian government has also been implicated in the Captagon trade. In May, a Jordanian diplomat accused Syrian army soldiers of supporting Captagon smuggling into Jordan. 

Know more: Captagon is prevalent throughout the region. Saudi Arabia has a particularly large drug addiction problem, and authorities there regularly thwart Captagon smuggling attempts.