What will happen to Syria's £4.5bn drug empire now?

Syria's Captagon trade, estimated at a staggering £4.5 billion, is at a pivotal junction. With key figures in this lucrative network stepping aside, questions arise about how the emerging leadership will manage the potential for criminal elements aiming to fill the void. Captagon, a powerful amphetamine, has not only fueled the war economy in Syria but has also found its way across borders into the Gulf states, Europe, and beyond. This massive drug empire has implications for both Syria's internal dynamics and its international relations. It has been a significant source of revenue, but also of controversy, casting a long shadow over the country's reputation and relations with the world. The transition within the Captagon trade's hierarchy signals a critical moment for Syria. It opens up the potential for shifts in power dynamics, not only within the drug trade but also in the broader socio-political landscape. The key challenge for the new leaders will be to navigate the complex web of interests, both domestic and international, that the Captagon trade intersects with. On the one hand, there is the imperative to maintain control over the trade to ensure it does not further destabilize the country or contribute to ongoing conflict. On the other, there is international pressure to crack down on drug trafficking, which requires cooperation with neighboring countries and global institutions. Balancing these often competing priorities will be a delicate task for Syria's new drug trade leaders. Moreover, the question of who will step into the shoes of those departing is of paramount importance