NCB arrests Syrian nationwide in Rs 182 crore drug case
4 min learnNew DelhiMight 16, 2026 03:34 PM IST
In a big breakthrough in opposition to worldwide narcotics trafficking, the Narcotics Management Bureau (NCB) has arrested a Syrian nationwide and seized a consignment of round 227.7 kg Captagon tablets price Rs 182 crore, marking the nation’s first main interception of the artificial drug popularly known as the ‘Jihadi drug’.
In a publish on X, Union Residence Minister Amit Shah mentioned, “Glad to share that via ‘Operation RAGEPILL’, our companies have achieved the first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called ‘Jihadi Drug’, price Rs 182 crore. The busting of the drug consignment destined for the Center East and the arrest of a overseas nationwide stand out as shining examples of our dedication to zero tolerance in opposition to medication. I repeat we’ll clamp down on each gram of medicine getting into India or leaving the nation utilizing our territory because the transit route. Kudos to the courageous and vigilant warriors of the NCB.”
In a press observe, the NCB mentioned that info was acquired from a overseas drug regulation enforcement company that India is getting used as a transit for the trafficking of Captagon, and a home was recognized in South Delhi’s Neb Sarai space. “Search of the home on Might 11 led to restoration of about 31.5 kg Captagon Tablets, hid in a business chapati slicing machine which preliminary investigation suggests was supposed for export to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,” an NCB spokesperson mentioned.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the Syrian nationwide had entered India on a vacationer visa on November 15, 2024, however his visa expired on January 12, 2025. “He was illegally overstaying in India and had taken the mentioned home in Neb Sarai on lease,” the spokesperson added.
“Questioning of the accused additional led to restoration of about 196.2 kg of Captagon Powder from a container in Container Facilitation Station (CFS) at Mundra, Gujarat, on Might 14. The container was imported from Syria, with sheep wool as a declared consignment. Thorough search of the container led to restoration of three luggage containing 196.2 kg of Captagon powder,” the spokesperson mentioned.
Captagon, traditionally linked to the pharmaceutical compound Fenethylline, was initially developed within the Sixties to deal with consideration issues and narcolepsy. Nonetheless, attributable to its excessive potential for dependancy and abuse, it was banned internationally. Right this moment, illicit variations of Captagon are manufactured in clandestine laboratories and sometimes include a mixture of amphetamines, caffeine, methamphetamine, and different stimulants, a supply mentioned.
The supply added that the drug is extensively consumed in elements of West Asia for its means to induce extended alertness, suppress fatigue and starvation, and generate short-term euphoria. Nonetheless, its use can also be related to elevated aggression, impaired judgment, and psychological dependence.
Story continues under this advert
“Through the years, Captagon has drawn international consideration attributable to alleged hyperlinks between its trafficking networks and battle zones in West Asia. Intelligence studies and worldwide investigations have indicated that the drug has been discovered amongst armed teams working in these areas, with proceeds from its commerce reportedly used to fund organised legal and extremist actions,” the supply additional mentioned.
“Typically described because the poor man’s cocaine attributable to its low manufacturing price and excessive demand, Captagon has turn into one of the vital profitable artificial medication within the Center East. Enforcement companies worldwide have flagged its commerce as a rising risk involving subtle smuggling strategies, together with maritime routes, solid documentation, and complicated monetary networks reminiscent of hawala,” the supply concluded.
