NEW DELHI: In a significant victory for India’s fight against transnational drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has carried out the country’s first-ever seizure of Captagon, the synthetic stimulant notorious as the “Jihadi drug.”
The operation, codenamed Operation RAGEPILL, resulted in the recovery of approximately 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder valued at around ₹182 crore in international illicit markets.
The breakthrough underscores India’s growing role in global drug enforcement cooperation and the government’s firm stance against narcotics, even as a transit point.
Details of the Seizure and Arrest
Acting on specific intelligence from a foreign drug law enforcement agency indicating that India was being used as a transit route for Captagon, NCB officials conducted coordinated raids. On May 11, 2026, a search at a house in Neb Sarai, South Delhi, led to the recovery of about 31.5 kg of Captagon tablets. The drugs were cleverly concealed inside a commercial chapati cutting machine, reportedly intended for export to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A Syrian national, who had entered India on a tourist visa on November 15, 2024, but overstayed after his visa expired on January 12, 2025, was arrested in connection with the case.
Further interrogation of the accused yielded critical leads, resulting in the seizure of 196.2 kg of Captagon powder on May 14, 2026, from a container at the Container Facilitation Station (CFS) in Mundra, Gujarat. The container had been imported from Syria, declared as carrying sheep wool.
Three bags containing the powder were discovered during a thorough examination. The consignment was destined for transshipment to the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia and neighboring Middle Eastern countries.
The total haul of 227.7 kg has an estimated street value of ₹182 crore in destination markets.
What is Captagon?
Captagon, often referred to in international media and by law enforcement as the “jihadi drug,” is a highly addictive, amphetamine-type synthetic stimulant. While it originated decades ago as a legitimate pharmaceutical medication, it has evolved into one of the most heavily trafficked illicit drugs in the world, primarily concentrated in the Middle East.
1) The Chemistry and Origins
The Original Formula: Captagon was initially the brand name for fenethylline hydrochloride, a drug first synthesized in Germany in 1961. It was used to treat conditions like hyperactivity (ADHD), narcolepsy, and depression.
The Ban: Due to its highly addictive nature, severe side effects (including psychosis, hallucinations, and cardiovascular risks), and high potential for abuse, it was placed under international control and banned in most countries. It was classified under Schedule II of the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 1986.
The Modern Counterfeit: Today, no legitimate Captagon exists. The pills stamped with the iconic “two half-moons” logo found on the black market are counterfeit. They rarely contain actual fenethylline; instead, they are cheaply manufactured blends primarily containing amphetamine, caffeine, and various chemical fillers.
2) Why is it Called the “Jihadi Drug”?
The moniker “jihadi drug” or “chemical courage” stems from its widespread adoption in conflict zones, most notably during the Syrian Civil War.
Effects on Combatants: Militants, fighters, and soldiers have used the drug because it stimulates the central nervous system. It floods the brain with dopamine, masking exhaustion, suppressing fear, inducing mild euphoria, and granting users prolonged alertness and energy sometimes allowing fighting for days without sleep.
Terrorist Association: It gained global notoriety through media reports linking its use to various militant factions in Syria, including ISIS, and to perpetrators of terrorist attacks in Europe and the Middle East.
3) The Geopolitics and the “Narco-State”
Beyond its use on the battlefield, Captagon became a multi-billion-dollar illicit industry that reshaped regional geopolitics.
Syria as the Hub: For over a decade, Syria served as the global hub for Captagon production, with Western governments and experts estimating it accounted for roughly 80% of global supply under the Assad regime. Production fell sharply following the collapse of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024, with new authorities dismantling many laboratories, though some manufacturing and transit activity persists.
The Primary Market: The main consumer base remains in the Gulf States, particularly Saudi Arabia, where it is used both as a recreational party drug and as a study/work aid by civilians to combat fatigue.
Amit Shah Praises NCB Efforts
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the NCB team for the successful operation.
In a post on X, he stated: “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 ₹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.”
Shah emphasized the operation as a clear demonstration of the Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy toward drugs.
Broader Context and Ongoing Probe
This seizure is notable not only as India’s first Captagon bust but also for highlighting the misuse of legitimate trade routes such as containerized cargo for narcotics smuggling. It comes shortly after another major NCB operation in Mumbai that intercepted 349 kg of cocaine from Ecuador.
It also aligns with the government’s broader push for a “Drug-Free India” by 2047. In 2025 alone, the NCB seized over 1.33 lakh kg of various narcotic substances worth nearly ₹1,980 crore and arrested hundreds in related cases.
NCB has launched a comprehensive investigation into the full network, including the procurement source, hawala and financial linkages, logistics facilitators, international receivers, and the wider transnational syndicate. Authorities stress the importance of international intelligence sharing in such cases.
Experts note that while Captagon is not yet a major domestic consumption drug in India, preventing its transit is crucial to avoid spillover effects on local markets and to strengthen international cooperation against narcotics.
As investigations proceed, the NCB and other agencies are expected to share further details on the syndicate’s operations. This case is likely to enhance scrutiny on shipments originating from high-risk regions and strengthen multi-agency coordination in future operations.
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