Lebanon declares full-scale war on Captagon trade

Lebanon has escalated its fight against Captagon into a nationwide campaign, led by the Lebanese Army and security forces, aiming to dismantle one of the region’s most dangerous drug networks. After years of smuggling routes from Syria into Lebanon, authorities are moving decisively to protect society and preserve the country’s relations with Arab nations.

The Captagon trade first surged during the Syrian crisis, managed by Syrian-Lebanese networks that produced and smuggled the drug to Gulf states and across the Arab world. After the collapse of the Syrian regime, many factories moved to Lebanon’s rugged Bekaa Valley, increasing production while exploiting the region’s terrain to evade authorities.

Mohammad Rashak, known as “Abu Al-Abbas,” was an early kingpin, exporting high-quality Captagon and training local traders. Arrested in 2016, his capture was a first blow to the trade, but the industry persisted, spreading further inside Lebanon and causing diplomatic tensions with Gulf countries.

In recent months, Lebanese security forces have intensified operations. Raids on factories and traffickers have revealed extensive networks controlling production, distribution, and smuggling. The Lebanese Army released a statement highlighting a breakthrough:

As part of nationwide efforts to combat drug trafficking, a patrol from the Intelligence Directorate, supported by an Army unit, raided a facility in Budai – Baalbek. Authorities seized 64 million Captagon pills, 79 barrels of chemicals for production, and manufacturing equipment. This represents one of the largest drug seizures in Lebanon. Authorities continue to pursue those responsible

The operation signals a new approach: traffickers no longer enjoy political protection or safe zones. Recent arrests and border interceptions have exposed the financial and logistical networks behind Captagon.

Officials warn that Captagon is more than a criminal enterprise, it’s a major social, economic, and security threat, fueling corruption, destabilizing communities, and straining Lebanon’s regional ties.

With sustained intelligence operations, targeted raids, and nationwide coordination, Lebanese authorities aim to leave no factory or network untouched. The army and security forces are racing to shut down this illicit industry, sending a clear message: Lebanon will no longer tolerate networks that threaten its people and its standing in the Arab world.