Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday announced India’s first-ever seizure of Captagon, the controversial synthetic stimulant often referred to as the ‘Jihadi drug’, in a massive anti-narcotics operation led by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
The seizure, carried out under ‘Operation Ragepill’, involved 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder valued at approximately Rs 182 crore. Officials also confirmed the arrest of a Syrian national allegedly linked to an international drug trafficking syndicate.
Amit Shah Says Government Committed to ‘Drug-Free India’
Sharing details of the operation on X, Shah described the seizure as a major breakthrough in India’s crackdown on global narcotics networks.
“Modi govt is resolved for a ‘Drug-Free India’. Glad to share that through ‘Operation RAGEPILL’, our agencies have achieved the first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called ‘Jihadi Drug’, worth Rs 182 crore,” Shah posted.
He further stated that the consignment was allegedly intended for the Middle East market.
“The busting of the drug consignment destined for the Middle East and the arrest of a foreign national stand out as shining examples of our commitment to zero tolerance against drugs,” he added.
What Is Captagon and Why Is It Called the ‘Jihadi Drug’?
Captagon is the street name historically associated with Fenethylline, a synthetic stimulant first developed during the 1960s to treat attention disorders and narcolepsy. The drug was later banned internationally because of its highly addictive nature.
According to officials, illegal Captagon tablets currently circulating in underground markets are typically manufactured using a mixture of amphetamine, methamphetamine, caffeine and other synthetic stimulants.
The drug is widely abused in parts of West Asia and the Middle East due to its stimulant effects, including increased alertness, prolonged wakefulness, reduced fatigue and heightened aggression.
Captagon has gained the label ‘Jihadi drug’ over allegations linking its trafficking and usage to extremist and conflict-zone networks operating in parts of the Middle East. International agencies have repeatedly identified the Captagon trade as one of the fastest-growing synthetic drug threats in the region.
Syrian National Arrested as NCB Probes International Drug Network
Officials confirmed that a Syrian national connected to the alleged trafficking syndicate has been arrested during the operation.
Investigators are now examining the broader international network behind the consignment, including suspected hawala transactions, logistics chains and possible overseas handlers.
The NCB is also probing whether India was being used as a transit route for drug shipments headed towards West Asian markets.
Centre Vows Tough Action Against Drug Trafficking
Reiterating the Centre’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics trafficking, Shah warned that authorities would continue aggressive action against international drug syndicates.
“I repeat we will clamp down on every gram of drugs entering India or leaving the country using our territory as the transit route. Kudos to the brave and vigilant warriors of the NCB,” Shah said.
The operation comes amid the government’s intensified anti-drug campaign targeting organised crime syndicates and transnational smuggling networks.
India Intensifies Crackdown on Global Drug Syndicates
The Captagon seizure follows a series of high-profile anti-narcotics operations conducted by Indian agencies in recent months.
Earlier this year, alleged drug trafficker and Dawood Ibrahim aide Mohammad Salim Dola was extradited to India through a joint operation involving Indian and Turkish authorities.
Officials believe the latest seizure highlights the growing threat posed by synthetic drugs and the increasing use of international trafficking corridors connected to South Asia and the Middle East.
Inputs from agencies
