NCB seizes ₹182 cr Captagon in India's first 'jihadi drug' bust

New Delhi: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized a large consignment worth ₹182 crore of Captagon, often referred to as the "jihadi drug" owing to its use by extremist networks in West Asia, in the first such drug bust in India.

After receiving information from a foreign drug law enforcement agency that India is being used as transit for trafficking of Captagon, the NCB launched Operation Ragepill, under which a house was identified in Delhi's Neb Sarai and the search of the house on May 11 led to the recovery of about 31.5 kg Captagon tablets carefully concealed in a commercial chapati cutting machine, according to the agency.

Preliminary investigation pointed to export to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. "A Syrian national had entered India on a tourist visa on 15.11.2024, but his visa expired on 12.01.2025 and he was illegally overstaying in India and had taken the said house in Neb Sarai on rent," the NCB said.


Questioning of the accused further led to the recovery of about 196.2 kg of Captagon powder from a container in Container Facilitation Station at Mundra, Gujarat, on May 14. The container was imported from Syria, with sheep wool as declared consignment. A thorough search of the container led to the recovery of three bags containing the Captagon powder.

Also Read | Jihadi Drug: First-ever consignment of Captagon worth Rs 182 crore seized, Amit Shah announces

Further investigation has revealed that the seized consignment was intended for transshipment to the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia and neighbouring West Asian countries, where Captagon abuse has emerged as a serious law enforcement and public health concern.

The total seizure during the operation amounts to about 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder, with an estimated illicit international market value of around Rs 182 crore.

Also Read | Jihadi Drug: First-ever consignment of Captagon worth Rs 182 crore seized, Amit Shah announces

In a post on X, Union home minister Amit Shah said, "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."