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India has recorded its first-ever seizure of Captagon, a banned synthetic stimulant widely referred to as the “jihadi drug”. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) carried out the operation under the code name “Operation RAGEPILL”, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the breakthrough today.
A foreign national has been arrested in connection with the case. Officials confirmed that the consignment was headed for the Middle East. Moreover, Shah described the operation as a major success in the government’s “Drug-Free India” campaign. He further stated that India will not be allowed to function as a transit route for international drug trafficking networks.
Intelligence-led action disrupts trafficking route
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the NCB coordinated closely with customs and other agencies. As a result, the teams intercepted the consignment before it could leave Indian territory. This intervention disrupted a suspected transnational trafficking route.
In terms of valuation, officials estimated the seized Captagon at ₹182 crore. However, they did not disclose the exact quantity since the investigation is still underway.
Meanwhile, investigators have begun questioning the arrested foreign national. In addition, they are tracking handlers, exporters, logistics operators and overseas buyers linked to the shipment.
Furthermore, Shah praised the agencies for swift coordination during the operation. He reiterated the government’s “zero tolerance” policy against narcotics. At the same time, he stressed that enforcement will continue against both inbound and outbound trafficking.
What Captagon is and why it is called the “jihadi drug.”
Captagon is an amphetamine-type stimulant that was first developed in the 1960s by Germany’s Degussa Pharma Gruppe. Initially, it was used for medical conditions such as narcolepsy and attention disorders.
However, fenetylline, its active compound, was later classified as a controlled substance under the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances in 1971. Consequently, most countries banned its use.
Despite this, illegal production continues in parts of West Asia. Notably, the drug suppresses fatigue, reduces hunger, and increases alertness. As a result, it has been linked to misuse in conflict zones and organised crime networks, earning the label “jihadi drug”.
Part of a wider crackdown on synthetic narcotics
Meanwhile, India has intensified action against synthetic drugs and international trafficking syndicates. In recent months, the NCB has seized multiple high-value consignments across the country.
For instance, it recovered cocaine worth over ₹1,700 crore in Mumbai. Additionally, another operation uncovered narcotics and edibles valued at around ₹200 crore.
According to government data, enforcement has scaled up significantly in 2025. The NCB seized over 1.33 lakh kg of narcotics worth nearly ₹1,980 crore. It also arrested 994 traffickers across 447 cases, including 25 foreign nationals.
At the same time, authorities said the latest seizure forms part of a wider international investigation. Agencies are analysing financial records, communication data and forensic samples to map the full network.
Ultimately, further arrests are expected as the probe expands across borders. Officials said Operation RAGEPILL reflects a sharper enforcement posture. In conclusion, India is tightening its grip on global drug trafficking routes passing through its territory.
