India Seizes Captagon Drugs Worth ₹182 Crore in Operation Ragepill

Indian agencies have seized Captagon drugs worth ₹182 crore for the first time through Operation Ragepill.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) had seized the first consignment of Captagon, referred to as the “jihadi drug”; its value is estimated at ₹182 crore.

He stated that the seizure of the drug consignment headed to the Middle East and the arrest of a foreign national are vivid examples of India’s commitment to zero tolerance against drugs.

The Home Minister further stated that the government would crack down on every gram of drugs entering India or passing through Indian territory as a transit route to other countries. He also congratulated the brave and vigilant personnel of the Narcotics Control Bureau.

Captagon Drugs

Captagon is a “street name” historically associated with fenethylline, which is a combination of amphetamine and theophylline.

It was developed in the 1960s to treat conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, but due to its highly addictive nature, it was internationally banned in the 1980s.

Because of its addictive properties and potential for abuse, the original drug formulation was eventually prohibited internationally.

Captagon has often been referred to in international media and security discussions as a “jihadi drug” because of repeated allegations and intelligence reports over the years linking its misuse and trafficking with extremist and conflict-zone networks active in parts of West Asia.

Why is it called the “Jihadi Drug”?

It received this name because terrorists and fighters in war-torn regions of the Middle East reportedly use it to reduce fear and fatigue, increase endurance, and maintain high energy levels.

It increases dopamine levels, creating conditions such as euphoria, mental alertness, and loss of appetite. However, its use can also lead to paranoia, hallucinations, and severe mental illness.

Currently, Syria is considered the largest producer of Captagon, from where it is trafficked to the Middle East and now global markets.

Major Operations Against Narcotics in 2025 and 2026

Operation Med Max: A historic joint operation that dismantled an international cartel operating across four continents and more than 10 countries. It exposed a network operating in India.

Operation Ketamelon: A major cyber-narcotics operation against one of India’s largest and most active Level-4 darknet drug syndicates. The NCB seized large quantities of LSD blots, ketamine, and cryptocurrency.

Operation WIPE (Web-based Illicit Activities Prevention & Enforcement): A major campaign aimed at preventing online trafficking and illegal sale of drugs regulated under the NDPS Act.

Operation Crystal Fortress: In this bottom-up operation led by the NCB, a synthetic drug cartel was busted.

Operation Global-Hunt: A strategic three-year initiative launched by Indian agencies including the NCB, Mumbai Police, and Gujarat ATS.

Operation Garuda was conducted jointly with INTERPOL and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). This operation involved rapid sharing of criminal intelligence related to drug trafficking.

Government Measures to Control Drug Trafficking

The government is adopting a two-pronged strategy — stopping the supply of drugs through strict law enforcement and reducing the demand for drugs through awareness, treatment, and rehabilitation.

The Narco Coordination Mechanism (NCORD) is a multi-level coordination system to control drug trafficking in India.

Special Anti-Narcotics Task Forces have been established in all states and Union Territories to monitor drug-related crimes.

An integrated NCORD portal has been developed to provide real-time information regarding enforcement of anti-drug laws.

The 1933 MANAS helpline enables citizens to report drug-related issues and share information with authorities.

Databases such as NIDAAN help in tracking arrested drug offenders and assisting investigations.

The government is implementing the “National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction” (NAPDDR) to reduce substance abuse among youth.

Helpline number 14446 provides counselling and immediate assistance to people seeking help.