It has come to light that a significant number of Hamas terrorists involved in the recent massacre in southern Israel were under the influence of stimulant drugs during the commission of their heinous acts. Field investigations have revealed that many of these terrorists had substantial quantities of Captagon, colloquially known as the "poor people's cocaine," in their possession. The presence of this stimulant drug likely played a crucial role in enabling the terrorists to maintain a composed and detached demeanor while simultaneously remaining highly alert for extended periods without succumbing to hunger.

This development echoes concerns raised last June in the Knesset regarding the dangers associated with Captagon. Intelligence reports, both from Israel and abroad, indicated that terrorist organizations such as ISIS and Hezbollah were increasingly turning to this drug. Tal Dahan, an official from the Authority for Crossings in the Ministry of Defense, voiced his apprehension during a special committee discussion on combating drug and alcohol use, chaired by MK Boaz Bismuth. "We've observed drug smuggling from Judea and Samaria to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing," Dahan warned. "The drugs are primarily intended for tunnel diggers in Gaza, and the link between the drug smuggling route and illicit drug trade is evident. The proceeds ultimately support terrorism, with large quantities of drugs being funneled into Gaza through the crossings."

העוגיות של רחל>קפטגון pic.twitter.com/n9s1W3uNz3

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Corporal Oshri Amor, commander of the Northern Borders Unit at the Ministry of National Security, corroborated these concerns, citing a significant upswing in drug smuggling at borders shared with Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. He emphasized the direct connection between drug smuggling, arms trafficking, and explosives. Money was identified as the driving force behind these illicit activities, and there were noted disparities in deterrence and technology along different borders. Amor advocated for a policy shift to ensure consistent enforcement across all borders.

Gideon Lustig, the head of the political-strategic organization in the Foreign Ministry, shed light on the prevalence of Captagon consumption in the region. "Captagon use is widespread in our region, and we are actively pursuing reconciliation with neighboring countries as a top political objective," he affirmed. Lustig also pointed to links between elements in Hezbollah and the production and smuggling of Captagon. Roni Berkowitz, director of the Department of Enforcement and Supervision at the Ministry of Health, highlighted that Ephedrine, an ingredient used in Captagon production, was not regulated under the Drug Ordinance.

הסם קפטגון, "קוקאין לעניים", איפשר למחבלים לבצע את מעשיהם האכזריים בקור רוח ובאדישות למראות • הסם מיוצר בלבנון ובסוריה, וגורמים סלפיים קיצוניים כגון דאעש משתמשים בו https://t.co/tVrSJUoEnC

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Captagon, originally developed in 1960 for the treatment of hyperactivity and depression, is now a highly addictive substance with potential for psychotic reactions in some users. In response to these risks, the United States banned the drug in 1981, and it was added to the World Health Organization's list of prohibited substances in 1986.