Report: Syria Now World's Largest Narco-State.
Syria's economy is heavily reliant on the production and export of Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine also known as the "poor man's coke," making it the world's foremost narco-state. Captagon generates more than 90% of Syria's foreign currency, raising concerns about the devastating impact of drug trafficking on the country's social fabric, health, and security. Syria is presently the leading country in the production of Captagon, primarily exporting it to the Gulf region. Bashar al-Assad could potentially leverage his control over the production and export of Captagon pills as a bargaining tool in his relations with the Gulf States.