Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi declared on Tuesday that the crisis in Syria and drug smuggling represent a substantial burden on Jordan.
Al-Safadi, as quoted by the “Ammon” news agency, stated that drug smuggling operations from Syria into Jordan are “organized,” emphasizing the need to take measures that safeguard the kingdom’s security.
He further noted that there are groups associated with regional entities and other parties responsible for these smuggling activities.
Earlier, Jordan had expressed dissatisfaction with Syrian efforts to halt drug trafficking across the Syrian-Jordanian border, deeming them “below the required level.”
The joint Jordanian-Syrian committee for cooperation in combating drug smuggling across the Syrian border into Jordan held its first meeting in July last year, in accordance with the outcomes of the Amman Consultative Meeting hosted by the kingdom on May 1, 2023.
The Jordanian Armed Forces previously announced the foiling of attempts to infiltrate and smuggle a drug shipment coming from Syrian territories.
Armed groups in southern Syria are active, amid Jordan’s efforts to halt drug smuggling attempts that could lead to the drugs crossing into neighboring countries in the region.
Jordan shares a border with Syria, and the ongoing conflict in Syria has had various repercussions on the neighboring country. One significant challenge Jordan faces is the smuggling of drugs from Syria into its territory. This illicit trade not only poses risks to public health but also threatens national security.
Efforts have been made to address this issue, including the establishment of a joint committee between Jordan and Syria to combat drug smuggling. However, Jordan has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of Syrian efforts in preventing these activities.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of armed groups in southern Syria, which adds to the security challenges along the border. Jordan has been actively working to secure its borders and prevent drug trafficking, as the consequences of drug smuggling can extend beyond its borders, affecting regional stability.
