Skip to main content

Palestinians blame Israel for Gaza drug trade

Gaza is experiencing a surge in illegal drug trafficking, addiction and crime.

Palestinian authorities confiscate illegal drugs in Gaza.
Palestinian authorities confiscate illegal drugs in Gaza. — Ministry of Interior and Control

Captagon, tramadol, marijuana, or ecstasy and happiness pills, as locals call them, have been pouring into the Gaza Strip in large quantities compared to the relatively low population of Gaza amounting to slightly over 2 million people.

Iyad al-Buzum, spokesman for the Interior Ministry in Gaza, told Al-Monitor, “The products that enter Gaza from Israel through the Kerem Shalom crossing are thoroughly inspected by the [Israeli] occupation authorities, which have advanced screening devices.”

Subscribe for unlimited access

All news, events, memos, reports, and analysis, and access all 10 of our newsletters. Learn more

$14 monthly or $100 annually ($8.33/month)
OR

Continue reading this article for free

Access 1 free article per month when you sign up. Learn more.

By signing up, you agree to Al-Monitor’s Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Already have an account? Log in

Related Topics