The Story

Inside the lair of Assad’s 'drug lord' brother

5 snips
Dec 20, 2024
Oliver Marsden, a foreign correspondent for The Times, uncovers the life of Maher al-Assad, the brutal enforcer of the Assad regime, known for his connection to Syria's drug trade. He reveals an eerie lair complete with an underground funicular and an escape tunnel. The conversation highlights the rise of Captagon and its role in the regime’s finances amid economic collapse. Marsden shares insights into the Assad family's stark contrasts between luxury and the dire realities of the Syrian people, painting a vivid picture of a nation in turmoil.
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ANECDOTE

Assad Regime Falls

  • Syrians celebrated freedom after the Assad regime fell.
  • They explored the Assads' luxurious homes, uncovering their secret world.
ANECDOTE

Maher al-Assad's Lair

  • Oliver Marsden found a secret door in Maher al-Assad's garage leading to an underground lair.
  • The lair included a cable car, tunnels, and an escape hatch.
INSIGHT

Maher al-Assad's Crimes

  • Maher al-Assad, known as "the enforcer," was a key figure in the Assad regime.
  • He's accused of murder, torture, war crimes, and running Syria's drug trade.
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