In a significant interception, the Jordanian military has thwarted a drone carrying crystal meth as it entered Jordanian airspace from neighbouring Syria. This incident highlights the ongoing battle against narcotics smuggling in the region and adds to the series of drones previously downed by Jordan from Syria, often carrying illicit substances or weapons.
According to a report by the state news agency Petra, the Jordanian military successfully gained control of and downed the drone. The seized crystal meth was subsequently handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action. While Jordan has previously managed to intercept drones from Syria transporting narcotics or weaponry, the identification of the seized drugs as crystal meth is relatively rare.
The conflict-ridden nation of Syria has evolved into a key player in the multi-billion-dollar drug trade. One of the primary routes for smuggling Syrian-made amphetamines known as Captagon to the oil-rich Gulf states passes through Jordan, according to anti-narcotics officials in Western countries.
In response to the escalating smuggling issue, military and security representatives from both Jordan and Syria have convened to discuss strategies to combat this illicit activity. Despite promises from Damascus to address the problem, Jordan remains skeptical, stating that no significant efforts have been made to curtail the illicit trade.
Syrian authorities have yet to issue an immediate response to the drone interception. In a recent interview, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad denied Syria’s involvement in the drug trade. He emphasised that the fight against narcotics smuggling is a shared interest between Syria and other Arab countries.
Assad’s commitment to addressing drug trafficking played a role in Syria’s reintegration into the Arab League in May after a 12-year period of isolation. Notably, the Jordanian army announced in June that it had successfully shot down three drones attempting to breach Jordanian airspace from Syria, with one of them carrying a load of weapons.
This recent drone interception underscores the ongoing challenge of smuggling across borders and the efforts of countries like Jordan to protect their territories from the illicit trade of drugs and weaponry.
