The recent fall of the Syrian government has revealed extensive details about the country’s lucrative Captagon drug trade, which generated billions in revenue. International investigators claim that Captagon has become Syria’s primary export under President Bashar al-Assad, with operations allegedly run by Assad’s brother, Mahir. The scandal has implications not only for regional drug abuse but also for Syria’s diplomatic relations, as the regime reportedly used the trade as leverage against Gulf states. After years of rampant production, rebel forces are now reportedly destroying stockpiles of Captagon.