India Seizes Record Rs 182 Crore Captagon Consignment in Operation RAGEPILL
India’s Narcotics Control Bureau executed "Operation RAGEPILL," seizing its first-ever consignment of Captagon, valued at Rs 182 crore. The operation intercepted 227.7 kg of the synthetic stimulant, known as the "Jihadi drug," destined for the Middle East. Authorities arrested a Syrian national and recovered drugs concealed in machinery in Delhi and powder from a container in Gujarat. Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted this milestone as proof of India’s zero-tolerance policy against using its territory for international narcotics transit, disrupting trafficking networks linked to extremist funding.
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NCB Arrests Dehradun Factory Owner in Major Captagon Trafficking Case
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested Sanjay Kumar, the owner of the Green Herbal factory in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, for allegedly facilitating the illicit manufacturing of Captagon tablets. This arrest is part of Operation RAGEPILL, which uncovered an international drug syndicate. The operation previously led to the seizure of approximately 227.7 kg of Captagon in tablet and powder forms and the arrest of Alabras Ahmad, an overstaying Syrian national, in New Delhi. During interrogation, Ahmad revealed that the drugs were manufactured at Kumar’s facility in November 2025. Authorities raided the factory on May 17, 2026, discovering sophisticated pharmaceutical machinery, including tablet-making and packaging equipment. Kumar reportedly charged Rs. 50,000 daily for using the premises and had prior involvement in drug-related cases. The seized consignment, imported from Syria disguised as sheep wool, was intended for West Asian markets, particularly Saudi Arabia. Ahmad had entered India on a tourist visa in late 2024 and was illegally overstaying. The investigation highlights the cross-border nature of the syndicate and the use of local infrastructure for large-scale narcotic production.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduNCB Seizes 227kg of 'Jihadi Drug' Captagon in Dehradun, Arrests Syrian National
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled an international Captagon manufacturing network in Dehradun, India, under Operation RAZEPILL. Authorities seized 227.2 kg of Captagon tablets and powder and arrested two individuals, including a Syrian national. The operation followed intelligence revealing that Captagon pills previously found in New Delhi were produced at a factory in Dehradun in late 2025. A raid on the M/s Green Herbal premises uncovered sophisticated illicit drug production machinery, including tablet-making and packaging equipment, along with raw materials. The factory owner, who allegedly rented the facility for approximately Rs 50,000 per day for illegal activities, was arrested. He had prior links to narcotics cases involving Tramadol. Captagon, known as the 'jihadi drug,' is a highly addictive stimulant historically associated with conflict zones in the Middle East, particularly used by fighters to suppress fear and fatigue. Originally developed as Fenethylline, it is now banned globally under UN conventions. Investigations are ongoing to identify further connections within the smuggling network.
India Today | Latest StoriesIndia Seizes Record Captagon Haul Worth $22 Million; Syrian National Arrested
Indian security agencies have seized Captagon tablets valued at approximately Rs 182 crore (around $22 million) for the first time in the country, marking a significant escalation in narcotics enforcement. The seizures occurred at Mundra Port in Gujarat and the Neb Sarai area in Delhi during 'Operation Respill' conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the consignment was intended for smuggling to Gulf countries, and a Syrian national has been arrested in connection with the case. Captagon, often referred to as the 'Jihadi drug' or 'poor man's cocaine,' was historically used by Islamic State fighters in conflict zones to suppress fear and maintain alertness. Originally developed in the 1960s for medical purposes, it was banned globally due to addictive properties. Modern illicit versions contain dangerous mixtures of amphetamines and synthetic chemicals, leading to aggressive behavior and mental instability. Experts warn that profits from this trafficking likely fund organized crime and extremist networks, making this inaugural major seizure in India a critical security concern.
India Today | Latest StoriesIndia Seizes 'Jihadi Drug' Captagon for First Time in Major Bust
Indian security agencies have executed their first-ever seizure of Captagon, a stimulant often referred to as the 'jihadi drug' or 'poor man's cocaine.' The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated tablets valued at approximately Rs 182 crore from Gujarat's Mundra Port and Delhi's Neb Sarai area during Operation Ragepill. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the operation, stating that the consignment was intended for smuggling into Gulf countries. A foreign national, believed to be Syrian, was arrested in connection with the case. Captagon is a highly addictive amphetamine-based substance historically used by Islamic State fighters in conflict zones like Syria to suppress fear and fatigue. Although originally developed in the 1960s for medical use, it is now banned globally under UN conventions. The current black-market variant contains mixed synthetic chemicals and is linked to financing extremist networks and organized crime. This significant bust highlights growing concerns about India's role in international drug trafficking routes amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
India Today | Latest StoriesIndia Seizes Record Captagon Haul in Operation Ragepill
Indian authorities have executed their first-ever seizure of Captagon, a synthetic stimulant often referred to as the 'Jihadi drug,' during a major anti-narcotics initiative named 'Operation Ragepill.' Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) intercepted 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder, valued at approximately Rs 182 crore. The consignment was allegedly destined for markets in the Middle East. As part of the operation, officials arrested a Syrian national suspected of links to an international drug trafficking syndicate. Captagon, historically known as Fenethylline, is banned globally due to its addictive properties and is currently manufactured using mixtures of amphetamines and caffeine. It is prevalent in conflict zones for its ability to induce alertness and aggression. The Indian government emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics, highlighting this bust as a significant breakthrough in disrupting global drug networks. Investigators are currently probing whether India was used as a transit route and are examining financial trails, including hawala transactions. This event underscores the growing threat of synthetic drugs and the intensifying crackdown by Indian agencies on transnational smuggling corridors connecting South Asia and West Asia.
Economic TimesIndia Seizes Record Captagon Shipment in 'Operation Razor Pill'
Indian authorities have executed a major breakthrough in counter-narcotics efforts by seizing a shipment of Captagon, often termed the 'jihadist drug,' valued at approximately ₹182 crore. This marks the first significant seizure of this synthetic substance in India. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted 'Operation Razor Pill,' resulting in the arrest of Syrian nationals involved in the trafficking network. Home Minister Amit Shah announced the operation's success on social media, emphasizing India's zero-tolerance policy against drugs and highlighting the interception of a consignment destined for the Middle East. Captagon, originally developed as Fenethylline for medical purposes in the 1960s, is now banned globally due to its high addictive potential and dangerous side effects, including aggression and insomnia. Illicit versions typically contain amphetamines and caffeine. International security agencies link the drug to extremist networks in conflict zones, where it is used to enhance fighter endurance and reduce fear. The trade is considered a significant source of funding for organized crime and terrorism, evolving into a complex international network involving illicit labs and sophisticated smuggling routes.
India Today | Latest StoriesIndia Seizes Rs 182 Crore 'Jihadi Drug' Captagon, Arrests Syrian National
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India has achieved a significant breakthrough by seizing approximately 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder, valued at Rs 182 crore, in what marks the country's first major interception of this synthetic substance known as the 'Jihadi drug'. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the NCB's 'Operation RAGEPILL', highlighting the arrest of a Syrian national who had illegally overstayed his visa. The operation began with a raid in South Delhi on May 11, where 31.5 kg of tablets were found concealed in a chapati cutting machine, intended for export to Saudi Arabia. Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of 196.2 kg of Captagon powder from a container imported from Syria at Mundra, Gujarat. Captagon, an amphetamine-based stimulant banned internationally, is widely trafficked in West Asia and allegedly funds extremist activities. The NCB emphasized India's zero-tolerance policy against using its territory as a transit route for international narcotics trafficking.
The Indian ExpressIndia Seizes 227kg of Captagon Worth $22 Million in First-Ever Bust
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India has executed its first-ever seizure of Captagon, intercepting 227 kilograms of the psychotropic stimulant valued at approximately Rs 182 crore ($22 million). The operation, codenamed RAGEPILL, was launched following intelligence from a foreign agency regarding an international syndicate using India as a transit route to Gulf nations. Authorities arrested a Syrian national who had overstayed his visa in New Delhi, where 31.5 kg of tablets were found concealed in a chapati-cutting machine. Further investigations led to Mundra, Gujarat, where 196.2 kg of Captagon powder was discovered hidden within a shipment of sheep wool arriving from Syria. Both consignments were destined for Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries. Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the NCB, reaffirming the government's zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking. This incident highlights a growing pattern of transnational cartels exploiting India's cargo networks, following recent large-scale cocaine interceptions. The NCB has initiated a broader probe into the financial and logistical networks supporting this trade.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000India Seizes 'Jihadi Drug' Captagon Worth Rs 182 Crore in Operation Ragepill
Indian Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully executed 'Operation RAGEPILL,' resulting in the first-ever seizure of Captagon in India. The confiscated consignment, valued at approximately Rs 182 crore, was destined for the Middle East market, and a foreign national was arrested in connection with the bust. Shah emphasized the Modi government's zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and its commitment to achieving a 'Drug-Free India.' Captagon, historically known as Fenethylline, is a synthetic stimulant often referred to as the 'Jihadi drug' due to its alleged links to extremist groups and conflict zones in the Middle East. Although banned internationally since the 1980s, it remains widely produced illicitly, often containing amphetamines and caffeine. The drug is prized for its ability to enhance alertness and suppress fatigue but causes severe psychological dependence and aggression. This seizure highlights India's role in combating international drug trafficking routes, particularly those involving sophisticated concealment techniques and maritime smuggling linked to clandestine laboratories in Europe and the Middle East.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000India Seizes Rs 182-Crore Captagon Consignment in Operation Ragepill
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully executed 'Operation RAGEPILL,' resulting in the seizure of Captagon, often referred to as the 'Jihadi Drug,' valued at approximately Rs 182 crore. This marks the first-ever confiscation of this specific narcotic by Indian agencies. The consignment was intercepted while being transported through India, with its final destination identified as the Middle East. Alongside the drug bust, authorities arrested a foreign national involved in the trafficking network. Shah emphasized the Narendra Modi government's steadfast commitment to establishing a 'Drug-Free India' and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. He praised the NCB for their vigilance and reiterated that India will strictly clamp down on any drug trafficking attempts using its territory as a transit route. The announcement highlights the increasing sophistication of Indian anti-narcotics operations and their role in disrupting international drug supply chains targeting the Middle East region.
NDTV News Search Records Found 1000India Seizes First-Ever Consignment of 'Jihadi Drug' Captagon Worth Rs 182 Crore
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized its first-ever consignment of Captagon, often referred to as the 'Jihadi Drug,' valued at approximately Rs 182 crore. The seizure was conducted under 'Operation RAGEPILL,' highlighting the Indian government's intensified efforts to achieve a 'Drug-Free India.' According to Shah, the drug consignment was destined for the Middle East, and the operation resulted in the arrest of a foreign national. This event underscores India's zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics, particularly those using the country as a transit route. Shah praised the NCB agents for their vigilance and reiterated the government's commitment to clamping down on every gram of drugs entering or leaving India. The announcement was made via a post on the social media platform X, emphasizing the significance of this bust as a major milestone in India's war against drugs and calling for unified global efforts to combat narcotic trafficking.
Economic TimesIndia Seizes First-Ever Captagon Consignment Worth ₹182 Crore in Operation RAGEPILL
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the historic seizure of the first-ever consignment of Captagon, often referred to as the 'Jihadi Drug,' by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The operation, codenamed 'Operation RAGEPILL,' resulted in the confiscation of drugs valued at approximately ₹182 crore. According to Shah, the consignment was destined for the Middle East, and the operation also led to the arrest of a foreign national. This event underscores the Modi government's intensified commitment to establishing a 'Drug-Free India' through a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. Shah praised the NCB agents for their vigilance and reiterated the administration's resolve to clamp down on any drug trafficking entering, leaving, or transiting through Indian territory. The announcement was made via a post on the social media platform X on May 16, 2026, highlighting the significance of this bust as a major milestone in India's ongoing anti-narcotics efforts.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduIndia's NCB Seizes Record Rs 182 Crore Worth of 'Jihadi Drug' Captagon
Indian Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved its first-ever seizure of Captagon, often referred to as the 'Jihadi drug,' valued at approximately Rs 182 crore. The operation, codenamed 'Operation RAGEPILL,' intercepted a consignment intended for transit to the Middle East, resulting in the arrest of one foreign national. Shah emphasized the Modi government's commitment to creating a 'Drug-Free India' and praised the NCB's relentless efforts to track down narcotics entering or leaving the country through Indian territory. Captagon, chemically known as Fenetylline, is a synthetic stimulant originally developed for medical use but banned internationally in the 1980s due to abuse potential. It gained notoriety during the Syrian civil war for its use by militant groups to enhance alertness and reduce fear among fighters. Modern illicit versions often contain amphetamines or caffeine rather than the original formula. This seizure marks a significant milestone in India's anti-narcotics operations, highlighting the country's role in intercepting international drug trafficking routes.
The Indian Express