90 Percent of Syria's Captagon Trade Originates in Sweida, Envoy Says

US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack stated that 90 percent of the country's captagon trade originates in Sweida, the southern province where armed Druze factions operate. Barrack, who also serves as ambassador to Turkey, told commentator Mario Nawfal on Friday that these groups finance their weapons through the illicit drug trade. He described the region stretching from Sweida to Daraa as a global hub for manufacturing and selling the stimulant, comparing the process to methamphetamine production. This assertion connects the economic base of local militias directly to their military capacity.

The conflict between central authority and local factions has intensified in recent months. In May 2026, Hikmat al-Hijri, a prominent Druze spiritual leader in Sweida, declared that the push for self-determination was irreversible. Al-Hijri advocates for full independence from Damascus and has called for Israeli support. Tensions peaked earlier this month when his supporters raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. The gathering marked the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks, a symbolic act that drew attention to the community's complex relationship with neighboring powers.

Barrack directed his criticism specifically at al-Hijri, accusing the leader of using the perception of backing from Tel Aviv and Washington to persecute other Druze. The envoy clarified that his concern was not with Israel itself but with how this perceived alignment was weaponized locally. He rejected the notion that Washington explicitly supports al-Hijri, calling such claims wrong. The envoy noted that Druze communities in the Golan Heights and along the border have fought alongside Israeli Defense Forces, a factor Israel cites when justifying its military interventions in southern Syria.

The Bashan administration, affiliated with al-Hijri, responded to the economic accusations with a statement condemning the claims. The group denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production. They argued that the community has historically fought smuggling networks and paid a high personal cost, including the sacrifice of young men, to eradicate illicit drugs. This denial contrasts with Barrack's assessment that drug revenue enables the Druze to arm themselves effectively.

Looking ahead, Barrack expressed optimism that Israel and Syria will reach a final understanding. The two nations have held five rounds of border and boundary talks, beginning in Paris in May 2024. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has indicated he does not desire confrontation, though Israel remains wary of his past with the al-Nusra Front and the presence of foreign fighters near the border. Barrack stated that while previous rounds came close to an agreement, he believes the parties will reach a final understanding again.

Next scheduled steps include continued border talks as the two sides build trust. Barrack noted that Syria has exercised restraint in response to Israeli incursions, including strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025. He warned that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict, viewing Damascus's patience as a strategic choice to prevent a larger war.