US Envoy Cites $1.2 Billion Captagon Trade in Druze Arms Funding

US special envoy Tom Barrack stated that Druze armed groups in Syria are financing their weapons through a captagon trade worth $1.2 billion. He described the region stretching from Sweida to Daraa as a major global hub for producing and selling the illicit drug, comparing its local manufacturing to the production of methamphetamine.

Barrack, who also serves as the US ambassador to Turkey, made these remarks in an interview with commentator Mario Nawfal, which was posted on X on Friday. He argued that the revenue from this trade enables local Druze factions to arm themselves effectively, providing the economic backbone for their military capabilities in the south.

The envoy directed sharp criticism at a prominent Druze spiritual leader in Sweida, alleging that the figure is using the perception of support from Israel and Washington to persecute fellow Druze. While Barrack did not explicitly name the individual, the comments align with rising tensions around Hikmat al-Hijri, who opposes Damascus and has called for full independence. Barrack rejected claims that the sheikh has explicit backing from Washington, calling such assertions absolutely wrong.

The friction between these factions became visible earlier this month when supporters of al-Hijri raised Israeli flags during a rally in Sweida. The gathering marked the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 attacks, a symbolic move that reflected the complex dynamics in the region. In response to Barrack's accusations, the Bashan administration, affiliated with al-Hijri, issued a statement expressing anger. They denied that Jabal Bashan is a center for captagon production, arguing that the community has historically fought smuggling networks and paid a high personal cost, including the sacrifice of young men, to eradicate the drugs.

Al-Hijri declared in May 2026 that the move toward self-determination is irreversible, aiming to establish a fully independent administration for Jabal Bashan distinct from the government in Damascus. This push for autonomy has intensified scrutiny of the region's internal politics. Barrack noted that Israel has framed its military interventions in southern Syria as efforts to protect the Druze, citing strikes against Syrian government forces in Sweida in July 2025.

The envoy observed that Syria has exercised restraint in response to Israeli incursions, warning that aggressive retaliation could trigger a wider conflict. He suggested that President Ahmed al-Sharaa has made it clear he does not desire a confrontation with Israel, though Tel Aviv remains wary of the new leadership. Barrack noted that the two sides have held five rounds of border talks, which began in Paris in May 2024. He expressed confidence that these discussions will reach a final understanding despite continuing mistrust.