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Syrian President’s Cousin Sentenced 30 Years for Terror-Drug Ring

7/5/2026

22 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Antione Kassis, 59, was sentenced to 30 years in prison with a 20-year term for supporting a terror group, announced under Operation Take Back America.
Kassis told the court he is a cousin of Bashar Assad, Syrian President, and worked with Maher Assad, General, on the weapons-cocaine scheme.
Prosecutors said Kassis used Syrian contacts to move cocaine and weapons to Colombia’s ELN, with laundering network linked to Hamas and the Sinaloa Cartel.

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Story summary

Antione Kassis, 59, was sentenced to 30 years in prison with a 20-year term for supporting a terror group, announced under Operation Take Back America.
Kassis told the court he is a cousin of Bashar Assad, Syrian President, and worked with Maher Assad, General, on the weapons-cocaine scheme.
Prosecutors said Kassis used Syrian contacts to move cocaine and weapons to Colombia’s ELN, with laundering network linked to Hamas and the Sinaloa Cartel.