In a groundbreaking operation, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized nearly 227.7 kilograms of Captagon, a potent synthetic stimulant often associated with conflict zones.
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In a first-of-its-kind crackdown in India, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized nearly 227.7 kilograms of Captagon, often referred to as the “jihadi drug” or “war drug”, during a massive international anti-drug operation named Operation RAGEPILL on Saturday.
Officials said the seized Captagon tablets and powder are estimated to be worth around Rs 182 crore in the illegal international market.
What Is Captagon?
Captagon is a highly dangerous synthetic stimulant linked to amphetamine-type psychotropic substances. The drug is known for keeping users awake for long periods, reducing fatigue, increasing alertness and triggering aggressive behaviour. Because of its alleged use in conflict zones and by extremist groups in the Middle East, Captagon has often been described as a “jihadi drug.”
According to the NCB, this is the first-ever seizure of Captagon in India.
Syrian National Arrested
The agency said one Syrian national linked to the international drug syndicate has been arrested during the operation. Investigators said the accused entered India on a tourist visa on November 15, 2024, but continued staying illegally after his visa expired in January 2025.
The NCB said intelligence inputs from a foreign drug law enforcement agency revealed that India was being used as a transit point for trafficking Captagon to Gulf countries.
Based on the information, officials raided a rented house in Neb Sarai area of New Delhi on May 11 and recovered around 31.5 kilograms of Captagon tablets hidden inside a commercial chapati-cutting machine. Preliminary investigation suggested that the consignment was meant to be exported to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia.
Major Recovery From Gujarat Port
Further questioning of the accused led investigators to another major seizure at Mundra in Gujarat on May 14.
NCB officials recovered nearly 196.2 kilograms of Captagon powder from a shipping container at a Container Facilitation Station (CFS). The container had arrived from Syria and was officially declared to contain sheep wool. However, a detailed search uncovered three bags filled with Captagon powder.
Officials suspect the consignment was intended for transshipment to Gulf countries, especially Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Middle Eastern nations where Captagon abuse has become a major concern.
Amit Shah Praises NCB
Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated NCB officials for the successful operation and said the seizure reflected the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against drugs. Calling it India’s first-ever Captagon seizure, Shah said authorities would act against every attempt to use India as a transit route for international drug trafficking.
In an X post he wrote, “Glad to share that through ‘Operation RAGEPILL’, our agencies have achieved the first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called “Jihadi Drug”, worth ₹182 crore. 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. 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.
Probe Into Hawala, Global Network
The NCB has launched a wider investigation into the international syndicate behind the operation. Officials said the probe will focus on identifying procurement sources, hawala links, logistics handlers, international receivers and other members of the transnational network.
