NCB seizes ₹182 cr worth of ‘Captagon’ in major bust:First-ever drug consignment caught under ‘Op Ragepill; Shah calls it ‘Jihadi Drug’

The Union Home Ministry informed on Saturday that the Narcotics Control Bureau has busted an international drug syndicate involved in the smuggling of Captagon. Approximately 227.7 kilograms of Captagon have been seized from this gang, which is also called the jihadi drug, worth 182 crore rupees. Home Minister Amit Shah praised the agency in a post on X for seizing the first consignment of Captagon. Shah said that the Modi government has resolved to create a drug-free India. Why is it called jihadi drug ‘Captagon’ is a common name associated with fenethylline. It is a synthetic stimulant created in the 1960s. Its misuse and smuggling are linked to activist and conflict-zone networks in some parts of West Asia. It got the name ‘jihadi drug’ because, under the effect of this drug, people using it could stay awake for long periods. Fear and fatigue could be suppressed. Not only that, but aggressive and risk-taking behaviour can also increase. Its use can help continue combat-like activities for extended periods in stressful situations. Home Ministry said – ‘Operation Ragepill’ conducted for a drug-free India MHA said in a statement that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had received information from a foreign drug law enforcement agency that India was being used as a transit route for smuggling Captagon. A house in Neb Sarai, New Delhi, was identified, and a search was conducted there on May 11, during which approximately 31.5 kg of Captagon tablets hidden in a commercial roti-cutting machine were recovered. This machine was intended to be exported to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Input was received from a Syrian citizen living in Delhi This house in Neb Sarai was rented by a Syrian citizen who came to India on a tourist visa on November 15, 2024. The MHA stated that his visa expired on January 12, 2025. He was staying in India illegally. Based on interrogation of him, approximately 196.2 kg of Captagon powder was recovered on May 14 from a container kept at the Container Facilitation Station (CFS) in Mundra, Gujarat. This container was imported from Syria, which was declared to contain sheep wool. Upon thorough search of the container, 3 bags were recovered containing 196.2 kilograms of Captagon powder. Initial investigation has revealed that this recovered material was to be sent to the Gulf region, especially Saudi Arabia and nearby Middle Eastern countries. ​