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
Over 200 arrested in Turkey, Europe in international drug bust: What to know Of the suspects, 225 were apprehended in Turkey and nine others were apprehended in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Belgium. Turkey
Jordanian forces shoot alleged drug smugglers on snowy border with Syria There has been a series of large drug busts in the Middle East recently. Jordan
Drug dealers in Gaza risk Hamas military trials Hamas in the Gaza Strip has come under criticism for referring civilians accused of drug use and traficking to the military judiciary. Palestine
Drug use surges in opposition-controlled areas in northwest Syria Security forces in the countryside of Aleppo are combating the spread of narcotic substances, amid growing demands for cooperation by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army factions. Syria
Mobster’s claims turn spotlight to new cocaine route via Turkey A spree of rattling allegations by a Turkish mobster has brought into focus the increase in cocaine trafficking in Turkey and its domestic and international ramifications. Turkey
Islamic State takes border station in Iraqi desert with 'drug smuggling wali' A recent incident along Iraq’s western border and alleged connections between drug smuggling and Islamic State cells in the area have raised concern. Iraq
Drug smuggling, abuse on the rise in Iraq Iraq suffers from the flow of drugs from neighboring countries, especially Iran, through the marshes and other border crossings, and the spread among the youth has become a threat to society. Iraq
Italian police confiscate $1 billion worth of ‘Islamic State-made’ drugs The 84 million Captagon tablets were stashed inside three containers investigators discovered at the Salerno port. Syria
Tunisian activists call for regulating cannabis production, distribution A youth initiative is drafting a proposal to legalize cannabis and monitor its use and distribution, to be presented to parliament. Tunisia
Egypt moves against synthetic narcotics The Egyptian Cabinet approved new amendments to a drug law in light of a surge in the use of new kinds of drugs. Egypt
Turkey tackles extensive synthetic drug troubles Bonsai, a synthetic cannabis, has become one of the most popular — and dangerous — drugs in Turkey. Turkey
Iran wakes up to HIV/AIDS epidemic among expectant mothers The Iranian government is trying to combat the spread of an HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country, especially among pregnant women, but much work remains to be done. Iran
One-of-a-kind program assists children traumatized by war A team of 20 Syrian volunteers is helping displaced children in Cairo deal with the trauma of war. Originals
