Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi revealed that "smuggling operations across the Syrian-Jordanian border have increased following discussions with Damascus," noting that "one out of every three drug smuggling attempts succeeds." During a seminar held by the SRMG research center, he stated, "Jordan is working to protect its interests," emphasizing that "drug smuggling is not only a threat to Jordan but also to Gulf countries and others, and cooperation must be strengthened to address this threat."
Al-Safadi added, "Smuggling operations on the ground have increased following the dialogue held with the Syrian government," pointing out that "the Syrian government does not have 'full control' when it comes to its ability to exert complete authority." He mentioned that "out of every three smuggling operations intercepted by Jordan, one succeeds... and we will stop this threat," highlighting that "drug smuggling is organized criminal activity, using highly advanced technological capabilities such as drones."
Regarding discussions with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Al-Safadi said, "We had a candid dialogue... and were able to start working groups that include law enforcement and intelligence from both countries. We discussed and set targets and coordinates to address the threat, and the Syrian side promised to deal with the issue... but the situation on the ground faced many challenges, as we have witnessed an increase in smuggling operations, thus we are doing what needs to be done."
Jordan regularly announces the seizure of quantities of Captagon and various types of drugs, and the Jordanian army occasionally reports thwarting attempts to smuggle drugs from Syrian territory.
