New Delhi: Union home minister Amit Shah on Saturday announced the first-ever seizure of Captagon, also known as the “Jihadi drug”, worth Rs 182 crore under a major anti-narcotics operation named ‘Operation Ragepill’.
In a post on X, Shah said the operation marked a major success in the government’s fight against international drug trafficking.
“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 Rs 182 crore,” Shah wrote.
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…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) May 16, 2026
Syrian national arrested
Officials said agencies seized 227.7 kg of Captagon tablets and powder during the operation. A Syrian national linked to the trafficking syndicate was also arrested.
According to Shah, the drug consignment was allegedly destined for the Middle East.
“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,” he said.
He also warned that authorities would continue strict action against drug trafficking routes using India as a transit point.
“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 added.
What is Captagon?
Captagon is the street name historically associated with Fenethylline, a synthetic stimulant first developed in the 1960s for treating attention disorders and narcolepsy. The drug was later banned internationally because of its addictive nature.
Officials said illegal Captagon tablets circulating in black markets often contain amphetamine, caffeine, methamphetamine and other stimulants.
The drug is widely abused in parts of West Asia and the Middle East because it can increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and keep users awake for long periods.
Why it is called ‘Jihadi drug’
Captagon has frequently been described as the “Jihadi drug” because international agencies have linked its trafficking and use to extremist and conflict-zone networks in parts of West Asia.
Officials said the low production cost and high demand have made Captagon a major source of illegal funding for organised crime groups and extremist-linked networks.
The latest seizure comes amid the Centre’s broader crackdown on narcotics trafficking. Earlier this year, alleged drug trafficker and Dawood Ibrahim aide Mohammad Salim Dola was extradited to India after a joint operation involving Indian and Turkish authorities.