Summary

Bahrain faces a growing and multifaceted drug trafficking threat that mirrors broader patterns across the Gulf. Positioned at the intersection of major maritime routes and regional production hubs, the Kingdom is increasingly being targeted by transnational criminal networks trafficking methamphetamine, Captagon and cannabis.

While Bahrain maintains strong enforcement capabilities and a proactive stance on counter-narcotics, the sophistication of trafficking methods (ranging from containerised maritime shipments to “dead-drop” domestic distribution) underscores the convergence of organised crime, illicit finance and regional instability.

As Bahrain prepares for its 2026 MENA FATF Mutual Evaluation, addressing drug trafficking as a key predicate offence for money laundering will be central to demonstrating effectiveness under FATF’s outcomes-focused methodology. Strengthening institutional capacity to detect, report, and disrupt these flows will be critical to maintaining compliance and protecting Bahrain’s financial integrity.

What's Inside

1. A detailed overview of Bahrain’s evolving drug threat landscape within the wider Gulf context.

2. In-depth analyses of methamphetamine, Captagon and cannabis trafficking trends.

3. Examination of jurisdictional risks tied to the Golden Crescent, Iranian and Houthi-backed networks.

4. Mapping of maritime, air and land trafficking routes, including the King Fahd Causeway nexus.

5. Case studies revealing the exploitation of commercial trade systems and maritime transport by organised crime.

6. Assessment of how traffickers launder proceeds through local banking channels, money mules and structured transactions.

7. High level recommendations to strengthen Bahrain’s AML/CFT readiness ahead of the 2026 evaluation.