Fenethylline is the actual chemical name, and it was initially engineered in the early 60s in Germany. Now its marketed as an amphetamine under the name Captagon and it is used both on the battlefield and the streets of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) to destroy lives, both young and old.
”Capti” as its known in the streets is sold in pill form. Designed to create a false sense of courage and euphoria amongst soldiers, it is now sold cheaply on the streets and spreading pervasively through locations within the GCC.
It’s a major problem in the United Arab Emirates with its open borders and over 200 diverse cultures that call Dubai home. Seizure of crystal meth and Captagon by authorities in the UAE increased 280% between 2015 and 2016 and have continued throughout 2017.
Captagon is seen as an easily transported narcotic which can be dealt on the street for a profit. It is small, easy to transport and looks fairly innocuous in its small white or beige pill-shaped form. Users include those who are trying to slim down, students and people trying to stay awake for extended periods of time.