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NCB seizes 'Jihadi drug' worth ₹182cr, makes 1st-ever bust
16 May 2026

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has made its first-ever seizure of Captagon tablets, worth ₹182 crore, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Saturday.

The operation, named "Operation Ragepill," led to the arrest of a foreign national and the interception of a consignment allegedly bound for West Asia.

The drugs were seized from Mundra Port and Delhi's Neb Sarai.

Captagon's links to terrorism
Drug profile

Captagon, a highly addictive synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant, is often referred to as the "poor man's cocaine."

It has been dubbed the "Jihadi drug" because terrorist organizations like ISIS have allegedly used it to give fighters more energy, stamina, and less fear during combat.

The Syrian national arrested in this operation was reportedly working from Delhi and sending drugs to West Asia.

'Every gram of drugs entering India will be clamped down'
Government stance

Shah took to X (formerly Twitter) to emphasize the Modi government's commitment to a "Drug-Free India."

He wrote, "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 Home Minister reiterated India's zero-tolerance policy against drugs, adding that every gram of drugs entering or leaving India will be clamped down on.

Government's efforts to curb drug smuggling
Security measures

India has seen several large drug busts at its ports in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, drugs worth ₹11,311 crore were seized from seaports across 19 major drug busts.

To bolster port security and curb smuggling activities, the government is setting up a new federal agency, the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS).

The BoPS will ensure ports are adequately protected with security standards comparable to those at airports.

International drug trafficker arrested after 8 years
Extradition success

In another development, the NCB recently secured the return of international drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Turkiye under "Operation Global-Hunt."

According to Hindustan Times, Dola was arrested at the IGI Airport, New Delhi, on his arrival. He had fled to the UAE from India nearly eight years ago and was wanted in multiple narcotics trafficking cases.