Why in the News?

Captagon, the “poor man’s cocaine,” has become increasingly popular among young adults in the Middle East and North Africa.

What is the Drug Captagon?

Captagon is a synthetic drug that was originally developed in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s.
It was initially created as a pharmaceutical treatment for attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy, and sometimes depression.
The primary active ingredient in Captagon is fenethylline, a compound that, once ingested, is metabolized into two powerful stimulants: amphetamine and theophylline.
These substances stimulate the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and a sense of euphoria.

Captagon is highly addictive due to its powerful effects on the brain and body.
As a psychostimulant, Captagon significantly impacts the central nervous system, leading to a range of effects that can make it very difficult for users to stop taking the drug once they start.
It is also reportedly used by fighters in conflict zones to enhance their endurance and suppress fatigue.
The primary effects of Captagon include:

Euphoria: Users often experience an intense feeling of happiness or well-being.
Increased Wakefulness: The drug reduces the need for sleep, keeping users awake and alert for extended periods.
Enhanced Physical and Mental Performance: Users may feel stronger, more focused, and more capable of performing both physically and mentally demanding tasks.

However, the heavy use of Captagon comes with serious risks such as cognitive impairment, cardiovascular issues, and risk of addiction.

In recent years, Syria the “narco state” of Middle East has emerged as the largest producer of Captagon.
Its production increased after 2011 Arab Spring protests, which led to civil unrest and conflict in the region.

[2019] Consider the following statements:

The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4