Hamas Militants Were Reportedly High On 'Poor Man's Cocaine' That Kept Them Calm During Oct 7 Attacks

Hamas militants, who carried out a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis, were reported to be under the influence of psychoactive drug. According to a report from The Jerusalem Post, captagon pills (a synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant) were found from the pockets of several Hamas militants who were neutralised by Israeli forces.

Report further stated the drug, often referred to as the 'the poor man's cocaine,' is believed to have potentially contributed to the militants' ability to commit acts with a sense of calmness. The drug may have also helped them remain highly vigilant for longer periods and reduced their appetite, according to the report.

Back in 2015, Captagon gained notoriety when it was disclosed that Islamic State fighters turned to it to mitigate fear before engaging in acts of terrorism. As the influence of the Islamic State diminished in the years that followed, the manufacturing and circulation of this drug saw a substantial shift towards Syria and Lebanon.

As reported by The Jerusalem Post, Gaza, in particular, emerged as a robust market for Captagon, particularly among the younger population.

What is Captagon?

Captagon, a member of the amphetamine family, was originally developed to address conditions like attention disorders, narcolepsy, and depression. Despite its highly addictive nature and the potential to trigger psychotic reactions, it remains a popular choice in the Middle East due to its affordability and ease of production. In less affluent countries, it can be obtained for as little as $1 or $2 per pill, while in wealthier nations, the cost can escalate to as much as $20, as per reports.

The primary effects of Captagon include inducing feelings of euphoria, reducing the need for sleep, curbing appetite, and providing sustained energy.

Captagon's Use in the Middle East

Healthcare professionals in Syria and Lebanon report that this drug is not only widespread among combatants but is also frequently used by desperate civilians residing in conflict zones. Furthermore, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, the drug has become a significant source of revenue for Syria and receives active support from the Iran-backed Lebanese group, Hezbollah.

A little over two years ago, an investigation conducted by The New York Times unveiled that individuals associated with Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, including family members, had established a thriving industry for Captagon production. With the involvement of Hezbollah, the industry is overseen by Assad's brother and continues to flourish despite the ongoing civil war that has afflicted Syria for over a decade.

The influence of the drug extends beyond Saudi Arabia, with substantial seizures of Captagon reported in Italy, Malaysia, Greece, and Egypt. In Jordan, it is readily available at low prices, making it increasingly popular among underprivileged youth, including school-going children.

Recent Confiscations of Captagon Pills

In 2021, Kuwaiti authorities seized nine million Captagon pills hidden within a shipment of oranges. Just a week before that, Dubai authorities intercepted the smuggling of 1.5 tonnes of these drug pills, valued at approximately $380 million, concealed within a cargo of lemons.

In the past year alone, over 250 million Captagon pills were intercepted, marking an 18-fold increase compared to four years ago. These figures only account for the seized shipments, leading to speculation that the actual quantities being smuggled may be significantly higher. There have been reports suggesting that Captagon has also found its way into Israel, where it is sold for nearly NIS 50 per pill.