The Media Line: Major Drug Smuggling Attempt Foiled in Aleppo: Syrian Authorities Reaffirm Firm Stance Against Narcotics 

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Major Drug Smuggling Attempt Foiled in Aleppo: Syrian Authorities Reaffirm Firm Stance Against Narcotics 
 
Rizik Al-abai – Damascus/ The Media Line 
 
The Syrian Ministry of Interior’s Anti-Narcotics Directorate has announced the foiling of one of the largest recent drug smuggling attempts, following a high-profile operation conducted by the narcotics division in Aleppo province. The operation led to the arrest of two Lebanese nationals who were caught attempting to smuggle a massive quantity of narcotics out of the country. 
 
Brigadier General Khaled Eid, Director of the Anti-Narcotics Directorate, told The Media Line that the operation was the result of careful surveillance and covert investigations, culminating in the seizure of approximately 800 kilograms of hashish and 200,000 illicit pills found in the suspects’ possession. He noted that the confiscated drugs were intended for export, pointing to the involvement of organized cross-border smuggling networks. 
 
Eid confirmed that the seized substances will be destroyed in accordance with established legal procedures, emphasizing that the operation is part of a broader and ongoing strategy aimed at dismantling drug trafficking networks both within Syria and at its border crossings. He described the effort as a “security and legal battle to protect society from the growing threat of drug abuse.” 
 
The security official reiterated Syria’s firm stance against drug trafficking, declaring, “Syria will not become a safe haven for drug traffickers or a corridor for smuggling operations.” He added, “We will not allow our territory to be used in a way that threatens the security of neighboring countries. We will continue to act with determination to pursue smuggling and distribution networks and impose strict legal consequences on those who endanger public safety.” 
 
This latest operation comes amid a broader campaign by Syrian authorities, who have repeatedly launched intensive security operations targeting drug dealers and traffickers—especially in areas near the country’s borders or in regions suffering from weakened security due to the ongoing war. 
 
Syria’s civil war, which began in 2011, has significantly deteriorated the country’s security and economic infrastructure, creating fertile ground for smuggling networks and drug trafficking activities—whether for profit or local consumption. Both local and international reports have noted a marked increase in drug use among different segments of Syrian society, particularly in areas where government control has diminished. 
 
In response, the Ministry of Interior continues to advocate a strict “zero-tolerance” policy toward drug traffickers. Authorities are also calling for enhanced public awareness campaigns about the dangers of drug use, and the expansion of treatment and rehabilitation programs for individuals struggling with addiction. Officials stress that combating drugs must involve not only security measures, but also social, health, and educational efforts. 
 
Observers hope that such operations will reduce the flow of narcotics through Syrian territory, especially as regional and international pressure mounts on Syria to play a more active role in combating the illicit drug trade.