UNODC warns of rising methamphetamine trafficking in Middle East

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that criminal networks in the Middle East are shifting focus from opium to the manufacturing and export of synthetic drugs, specifically methamphetamine.

Data from Tehran indicates that methamphetamine seizures in Iran rose from 30,393 kilograms in 2022 to 40,453 kilograms in 2025. Authorities have conducted five intelligence-led operations to intercept massive shipments originating in Afghanistan. These drugs typically travel via the Afghanistan-West Asia corridor through Türkiye toward European markets.

In addition to methamphetamine, Syria continues to see seizures of Captagon, an illicit synthetic pill. While Captagon was a significant revenue source for the former Assad regime, large-scale production has reportedly been disrupted under the new government in Damascus. The UNODC emphasized that while interceptions are occurring, sustained success against these advanced networks requires increased international cooperation.