Captagon flows through Iraq and Jordan

Lead researchers: Dr Nicholas Krohley, Dr Christopher Sims and Antonio Ruiz  

Duration: February 2024 – May 2024 

Countries: Iraq, Jordan, Syria  

The smuggling of the addictive, amphetamine-type drug Captagon is a multi-billion-dollar trade in the Middle East. Counterfeit versions of the stimulant are mass-produced in Syria and smuggled to the Gulf states. Since 2022, many Gulf states have attempted to curb Captagon smuggling, and the issue has become a key focus of regional diplomatic discussions between Syria and its neighbours.   

This award supported a literature review on Captagon flows through Iraq and Jordan. Key focus areas included border dynamics vis-à-vis Syria, and factors within Iraq and Jordan related to the movement of Captagon. The review also assessed policy and programme responses. Through analysis of academic literature and empirical evidence on the role of checkpoints in conflict economies and transnational supply chains, the research synthesised and identified gaps in the body of evidence on this topic, with consideration of what works in conflict response.

Explore some of the research outputs: 

• Captagon in Iraq and Jordan: understanding the problem and evaluating solutions

For more information regarding this research, contact  [email protected]