Syrian officials have confiscated 50,000 Captagon pills hidden in fabric cushions in Damascus's Al-Qadam district.
The Drug Enforcement Branch of Damascus made the discovery, according to a statement from the Syrian Interior Ministry shared on social media.
The pills were meant to be smuggled into Saudi Arabia, the ministry reported.
Three people have been arrested in connection with the case, and they will face legal action after being presented to competent judicial authorities.
Brig. Gen. Sami Darwish reported that one suspect was caught with the drugs and confessed to working with two other accomplices. These accomplices were later arrested in Jaramana and Al-Marja.
Hours before the Captagon seizure, the Damascus Criminal Security Branch arrested members of a network involved in drug trafficking and counterfeit currency.
The Interior Ministry said the arrests followed a thorough investigation and surveillance operation.
In a well-coordinated sting in the Al-Zahira district, three suspects were detained while traveling in a public vehicle.
Authorities seized 41 bundles of hashish and $1,000 in counterfeit bills. The suspects admitted to running a drug trafficking ring and distributing narcotics across provinces with the help of several accomplices who remain at large.
In Damascus’ Keshkoul area, three suspects were arrested with a firearm, Captagon pills, and a motorcycle. Police also found about 7,000 Tramadol pills at their homes. The search for additional suspects is ongoing.
The fight against drug trafficking is a major concern for Arab nations, along with refugee returns and political solutions.
Over the past two years, Syria has prevented several drug smuggling attempts, but the US and Western countries accuse the Syrian government of aiding drug trafficking, which they say threatens regional security.
Damascus has rejected claims of involvement in Captagon production and trafficking, citing its commitment to international drug control agreements, including the 1961 Convention, the 1971 Psychotropic Substances Convention, and the 1988 UN Convention on Drug Trafficking.
