A drug once confined to back alleys and whispered deals has thrust itself into the center of Egyptians’ lives. Known locally as shabu, methamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant that is cheap to make, easy to obtain, and devastating in impact. Often referred to as the “street drug,” shabu has taken root across Egyptian governorates where its trade flourishes despite repeated crackdowns. Nearly 6 percent of Egyptians between the ages of 15 and 64 report using narcotics, with a startling concentration among teenagers and young adults, Amr Osman, Manager of the National Fund for Drug Control and Treatment of Addiction, revealed in 2023. Cannabis remains the most widely consumed substance, followed by tramadol, an addictive opioid pain medication. Yet methamphetamine use is climbing at an alarming pace. In 2020, the prevalence of synthetic drugs such as shabu increased from 7 percent to 17 percent. Notably, 58 percent of Egypt’s users still live with their families, a figure that reflects the absence of prevention and supervision in homes. Shabu’s spread has been fueled by a mix of economic despair, opportunistic trafficking, and a growing local industry. The spread has been particularly pronounced…
Crystal Meth Grips Egyptian Governorates, Sparking Deadly Crimes
October 6, 2025
