Syria’s transitional authorities arrest Assad’s cousin for drug trafficking
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The Ministry of Interior in the Syrian transitional government announced on Saturday the arrest of Wassim al-Assad, a cousin of the former regime’s president, involved in crimes and drug trafficking.
In an official statement, the Ministry said that the General Intelligence Service apprehended Wassim al-Assad—one of the most prominent drug traffickers and a key figure involved in multiple crimes during the former regime’s rule.
The ministry added that the arrest was carried out through a carefully planned ambush, with al-Assad detained without significant resistance.
Wassim al-Assad had previously been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department in March 2024, alongside Lebanese national Nuh Zaiter, for involvement in drug trafficking.
A month later, the European Union also added his name to its sanctions list, along with two other members of the al-Assad family, citing the same charges.