Iraq is facing an alarming crisis due to the increase in the trafficking and consumption of captagon.

In an alarming report released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), it is highlighted that Iraq has become a critical point in drug trafficking and consumption over the past five years. The situation has reached unprecedented levels, with a notable increase in drug seizures, especially of Captagon, a powerful amphetamine that has proliferated in the region. In 2023, Iraqi authorities managed to seize an astonishing total of 24 million Captagon pills, equivalent to more than 4.1 tons of this substance, with a value ranging from 84 to 144 million dollars. Captagon, which was initially used as a treatment for narcolepsy and attention disorders, has transformed into a commercial phenomenon encompassing several countries in the Middle East. The UNODC notes that Captagon seizures in Iraq have tripled in volume between 2022 and 2023, and that the amounts confiscated in the latter year are 34 times greater than those seized in 2019. This not only reflects an increase in the availability of these drugs but also the growing dependence and consumption among the Iraqi population. Syria has established itself as the main source of Captagon, becoming a true narco-state, while Saudi Arabia is emerging as the largest consumer market for this drug. The border between Iraq and Syria, which stretches for 600 kilometers, has become a transit route used by traffickers to introduce large quantities of Captagon into Iraqi territory. This fact highlights Iraq's vulnerability, as it faces challenges not only related to drug trafficking but also to social and political instability, exacerbated by years of conflict. The UNODC report also emphasizes that, between 2019 and 2023, an overwhelming 82% of the Captagon seized in the region originated from Syria, followed by Lebanon with 17%. This constant flow of drugs jeopardizes public health and the well-being of the population in Iraq, which, with a population of approximately 43 million people, is facing a significant increase in the consumption of controlled substances, particularly during times of conflict and social crisis. In addition to Captagon, Iraq is becoming a transit point for other synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine, which is predominantly produced in Afghanistan. The UNODC warns that these substances are destined for the Persian Gulf and Europe, making Iraq a crucial link in an international trafficking chain. This not only poses a challenge for Iraqi authorities, who must contend with growing internal and external demand, but also exacerbates tensions in an already volatile region. In light of this situation, regional governments have intensified their efforts to address the drug trafficking problem, especially under the pressure of Gulf States, which are the main consumers of Captagon. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains in question, given the unstable environment in which this illicit trade operates. The international community watches with concern as Iraq, amid its internal struggles for stability and reconstruction, faces a public health crisis caused by drug trafficking. The situation requires not only robust local actions but also a coordinated approach among countries in the region to dismantle trafficking networks and assist those suffering from addiction. The fight against drug trafficking in Iraq is not only a matter of security but also of public health and social development. The growing epidemic of drug use represents a direct threat to the future of a generation that, instead of building a prosperous country, is facing the devastating effects of drugs and crime. In conclusion, the drug trafficking crisis in Iraq is an alarming phenomenon that requires urgent attention and effective measures. The response of the international community, along with the political will of Iraqi authorities, will be crucial to reversing this trend and ensuring a healthier and more stable future for the country and its population. The fight against drugs in Iraq is undoubtedly a complex challenge that cannot be ignored.