Sana’a — Yemeni authorities have seized over 1.5 million Captagon pills in a major drug bust, revealing what officials describe as a strategic shift in regional narcotics trafficking from Syria to Yemen. 

The shipment, hidden on the roof of a refrigerated truck traveling from Houthi-controlled Sana’a to Saudi Arabia, is believed to be part of a growing network of Iran-backed smuggling operations.

The seizure comes amid intensified crackdowns on Captagon production in Syria, long considered the epicenter of the trade. With the weakening of the Assad regime and its allies, including Hezbollah, experts say Iran-aligned groups are now exploiting Yemen’s instability to reroute drug flows toward Gulf markets.

Brigadier General Abdullah Lahmadi, head of Yemen’s drug control authority, stated that the bust highlights “the scale of trafficking allegedly supported by the Houthis,” who are accused of using narcotics to fund their military operations. Information Minister Muammar al-Eryani warned that the shift “deepens regional security threats” and reflects “malicious tactics” by the militia.

A 2024 UN Panel of Experts report previously noted the Houthis’ involvement in trafficking drugs, arms, and telecom equipment to generate illicit revenue. Analysts now fear Yemen may become a new hub for Captagon production, replacing Syria as the primary corridor for smuggling into Saudi Arabia and the UAE.