These Photos Do Not Feature Captagon Found on the Bodies of Hamas Members
The Claim
Captagon was found on the bodies of Hamas members and prisoners.
News posted on
Emerging story
Social media users, mainly Pro-Israel accounts, extensively shared two photos alleging to feature Captagon found on the bodies of Hamas members and prisoners.
The publishers have attributed the news source to Channel 12 News. An X user wrote, “Captagon is believed to enable Hamas members to carry out their acts with composure and indifference. The drug is reportedly produced in Lebanon and Syria, and extremist Salafist elements, including ISIS, have been known to use it. Source: Channel 12 News.”
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the viral photos and found the claims to be misleading.
After conducting a thorough reverse image search, Misbar’s team found the photos making the rounds to be outdated and unrelated to the ongoing assault on the Gaza Strip.
Outdated Photos of Failed Captagon Smuggling Attempts
Contrary to the viral claim, the two photos predate the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.
The first circulating photo shows drugs and handguns seized by Israeli troops following a smuggling attempt from Lebanon on October 23, 2022. The Times of Israel uploaded the photo in a published article about the incident at the time.
As per the report, the Israel Forces successfully thwarted an effort to smuggle handguns and 35 kilograms of narcotics into Israel from Lebanon. Certain packages featured a logo previously associated with bags containing Captagon amphetamine pills, and a suspect has been detained by the troops.
The second circulating photo is also outdated. The photo features Captagon packets that were confiscated at Al Haditha port in Jordan-Saudi Arabia.
Arab News published the photo on May 11, 2023. The article’s title reads, “Killing of Syrian Captagon kingpin turns up the heat on drug smugglers of the Middle East.” The Saudi Arabia flag on the police officer's attire is clearly evident.
What Is Captagon?
Captagon, originally a psychoactive medicine created by a German company in the 1960s, was primarily used to treat conditions like attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy. It contains fenetylline, a synthetic drug related to amphetamines. In 1986, the U.N. included fenetylline in its list of controlled substances, leading to the discontinuation of Captagon in most countries.
However, it continues to play a significant role in diplomatic discussions in the Middle East, with some Arab nations using it as a bargaining chip in negotiations with Syria. The illicit production and smuggling of this addictive stimulant from Syria to Gulf states have reportedly generated substantial revenues for President Bashar al-Assad and his associates. Syria is believed to be the global producer of Captagon, with wealthy Gulf states as the primary destination.
Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Spark Humanitarian Crisis
Since October 7, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the killing of over 3,785 Palestinians in Gaza. The tragic strike on al-Ahli Arab Hospital, a sanctuary for thousands seeking medical care and safety, has left at least 500 individuals dead, leading to global protests and arrests of anti-war Jewish demonstrators in the U.S. Congress.
The United Nations warns of a critical shortage of clean water, fuel, and electricity in Gaza after Israel halted their provision, while aid organizations, including the World Food Program, express concerns about a severe food shortage due to dwindling local supplies. Israeli airstrikes have also directly targeted or damaged five bakeries, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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