In a major breakthrough against transnational synthetic drug trafficking networks, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), under Operation RAGEPILL, has successfully unearthed an international drug syndicate involved in the trafficking of Captagon, leading to the seizure of approximately 227.7 Kgs. of Captagon Tablets/Powder and the arrest of one overstaying Syrian national, who is a member of the syndicate. The Captagon mainly contains Fenetylline and Amphetamine which are Psychotropic Substances under the NDPS Act.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, congratulated the brave and vigilant warriors of NCB for successfully carrying out the ‘Operation RAGEPILL’. Shri Shah said that through ‘Operation RAGEPILL’, our agencies have achieved the first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called “Jihadi Drug”.
Shri Amit Shah posted on X, “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.”
Developing information received from a Foreign Drug Law Enforcement Agency that India is being used as transit for trafficking of Captagon, a house was identified in Neb Sarai, New Delhi and search of the house on May 11, 2026 led to recovery of about 31.5 Kg Captagon Tablets, carefully concealed in a commercial chapati cutting machine which preliminary investigation suggests was intended for export to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Preliminary investigation revealed that the 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.
Questioning of the accused further led to recovery of about 196.2 Kgs. of Captagon Powder from a container in Container Facilitation Station (CFS) at Mundra, Gujarat on May 14, 2026. The container was imported from Syria, with sheep wool as a declared consignment. Thorough search of the container led to recovery of 3 bags containing 196.2 Kgs. of Captagon Powder. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the seized consignment was intended for transshipment to the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, where Captagon abuse has emerged as a serious law enforcement and public health concern.
The total seizure effected during Operation RAGEPILL amounts to approximately 227.7 Kgs. of Captagon Tablets/Powder, with an estimated illicit international market value of approximately ₹182 crore in destination markets across the Gulf and Middle East.
This operation marks India’s first-ever seizure of Captagon in India and exposes attempts by international syndicates to use India as a transit hub. It also exemplifies how international intelligence sharing and law enforcement cooperation can play a critical role in identifying, intercepting, and dismantling transnational narcotics trafficking networks operating across multiple jurisdictions, and how the drug enforcement agencies across the world can come together to dismantle the trans-national drug syndicates.
The seizure also assumes significance in light of another recent major NCB interdiction in Mumbai involving 349 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a container originating from Ecuador, indicating an increasing trend of transnational drug syndicates misusing commercial cargo and containerized trade routes for trafficking narcotic substances across regions.
The NCB has initiated a comprehensive investigation to identify the source of procurement, financial and hawala linkages, logistics facilitators, international receivers, and the wider transnational network associated with the syndicate. India is committed to strengthening international cooperation through intelligence sharing, extradition of drug kingpins, and coordinated action against narco-terrorism and drug cartels to ensure collective response to the global issue of drug trafficking and drug abuse.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, NCB reiterates its unwavering commitment towards the policy of zero tolerance against drug abuse and continues to work in close coordination with national and international agencies to dismantle transnational narcotics syndicates operating across borders.
The NCB also urges citizens to report narcotics-related information through the MANAS Helpline (Toll-Free: 1933). The identity of informers is kept strictly confidential.
