Organized Drug Trafficking Networks Expanding in the Middle East

Organized Drug Trafficking Networks Expanding in the Middle East
—————————————
Radio France Internationale (RFI) has highlighted the rapid rise of organized drug trafficking networks in the Middle East, citing Italian photojournalist Alfredo Bosco, who has documented the emergence of cartel-like criminal groups dealing in synthetic drugs.

According to Shia Waves Persian, Bosco’s photo project, “The Captagon and Synthetic Drugs Crisis in Iraq,” earned him the prestigious Visa d’or award at the 37th Visa pour l’Image international photojournalism festival in Perpignan, France. His work sheds light on a growing underreported crisis with far-reaching social and security implications.

According to RFI, these networks, modeled after Latin American cartels, have entrenched themselves across the region by focusing on trafficking synthetic drugs, particularly Captagon pills and crystal meth. Iraq has become one of the epicenters of this phenomenon, fueled by years of political instability, recurring conflicts, and the collapse of state institutions.

Bosco stressed in his interview with RFI that this crisis is often overlooked by both media and governments, despite its destructive impact on communities. He warned that drug trafficking groups now operate with sophisticated structures and, in some cases, maintain ties with armed factions and local mafias.

“The world must understand that the synthetic drug crisis in the Middle East is no longer a local issue, but a global threat,” Bosco said.

Experts argue that beyond political and military challenges, the Middle East now faces a deepening social and public health emergency. Analysts warn that the long-term consequences of the drug trade could prove more destabilizing than armed conflict itself.