The anti-narcotics departments of Syria and Jordan announced the foiling of seven drug smuggling attempts across their shared border, as part of ongoing security cooperation to combat smuggling networks.

In a joint statement published Sunday, October 5, on Facebook, Syria’s Interior Ministry said that joint security operations between both sides led to the seizure of about one million narcotic pills prepared for smuggling and distribution, in addition to the arrest of several suspects involved in these cases.

The statement added that cooperation between the anti-narcotics directorates in Damascus and Amman included intelligence sharing and coordination of field operations, which resulted in dismantling organized criminal networks involved in drug trafficking that pose a direct threat to the security of both countries and the region.

Both sides stressed that these operations represent a model of bilateral security cooperation in combating drug smuggling, emphasizing that fighting this scourge is “not merely a security mission, but a humanitarian and moral responsibility requiring broad regional and international cooperation.”

The statement also affirmed the continuation of joint efforts to pursue smuggling networks and apprehend those involved, “to protect communities and safeguard future generations from the dangers of drugs.”

Previous Cooperation with Turkey

Earlier, Syria’s Anti-Narcotics Directorate and Turkish intelligence carried out a joint operation for the first time in Rural Damascus, leading to the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics.

On September 2, the Syrian Interior Ministry announced the confiscation of 500 kilograms of raw materials used in drug production and a large amount of Captagon pills in the Yafour area (Rural Damascus province).

The ministry stated that the operation was conducted in coordination with Turkish intelligence and that the seized drugs were hidden inside canned food containers and large vessels buried underground.

All seized materials were confiscated, and those involved were arrested and referred to the competent authorities for legal procedures, the ministry added.

The Interior Ministry noted that Syria’s Anti-Narcotics Directorate continues to pursue smuggling and distribution networks as part of its campaign to eradicate the drug trade.

Commitment to Drug Control

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) warned in its World Drug Report 2025 that Syria remains a major hub for narcotics, even after the fall of the Assad regime, which was the primary beneficiary of Captagon production and trafficking. It acknowledged efforts by the new government to disrupt supply chains.

Syrian Interior Minister Anas Khattab reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to combating narcotics as part of the state’s broader battle to protect the country’s present and future.

According to the UNODC report, released in June, despite the current Syrian government’s opposition to the drug trade, the country continues to serve as a center for production and distribution. The transitional administration has pledged to disrupt the supply chain and has publicly destroyed large quantities of seized Captagon as proof of its commitment.