Yemeni border authorities have announced the seizure of over 1.5 million Captagon pills hidden inside a refrigerated truck en route from Houthi-controlled Sana’a to Saudi Arabia, in what officials describe as one of the largest drug busts in recent years.

The operation took place at the Al-Wadiah border crossing, where security forces uncovered the narcotics concealed in the truck’s ceiling after a meticulous inspection. The truck driver reportedly confessed that the shipment originated from drug traffickers in Sana’a, and his role was limited to delivering it to a contact inside Saudi Arabia.

Yemeni officials have linked this incident to a broader pattern of drug trafficking allegedly orchestrated by the Houthi militia, accusing the group of using narcotics as a major source of funding for its military operations. According to international reports, Houthi-controlled areas have become hubs for the production and distribution of illicit drugs, including Captagon, hashish, and heroin.

Analysts warn that the drug trade not only finances the conflict but also serves as a tool for recruitment and control, with reports indicating that Houthi fighters are given Captagon pills to boost aggression and endurance on the battlefield.

The Yemeni government has called for increased regional cooperation to combat narcotics smuggling and prevent the destabilization of neighboring countries, particularly as trafficking routes shift from Syria to Yemen.

This latest seizure underscores the growing intersection between organized crime and armed conflict in the region, raising alarms about the long-term impact on Yemen’s youth and regional security.

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