FM stresses Jordan’s firm anti-drug stance at launch of US-led coalition

AMMAN — The Kingdom is taking decisive action to combat drug smuggling across the Syrian borders into Jordanian territory, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Friday.

Safadi stressed that Jordan is committed to safeguarding its national security from the escalating threat.

Addressing the Washington-held Virtual Ministerial Meeting to Launch the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, inaugurated by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Safadi highlighted the coalition’s significant role in addressing the growing danger of synthetic drugs, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

"This newly formed global coalition will enable us to collaborate in the fight against the production, smuggling and distribution of synthetic drugs", he said.

Safadi also highlighted the recurring attempts to smuggle drugs into Jordan across the Syrian border, noting that over 65 million Captagon pills have been confiscated in the past two years alone.

The global nature of the synthetic drug threat and the extensive resources available to its manufacturers and smugglers necessitate joint international action, he said, emphasising the crucial importance of cooperation in providing border protection technology, sharing intelligence and exchanging expertise in drug awareness and addiction rehabilitation.

Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's readiness to collaborate in confronting the drug threat, recognising that genuine international cooperation is indispensable to decisively address the issue.

Blinken held the ministerial meeting to announce the establishment of the coalition. 

This coalition aims to consolidate national efforts around the world to prevent the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of synthetic drugs.

The inaugural meeting of the coalition is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the 74th session of the UN General Assembly and the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2024.

The ministerial meeting featured the participation of 30 foreign ministers, ministers and officials from over 80 countries, as well as representatives of regional and international organisations.