The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has executed its first-ever seizure of Captagon tablets, valued at ₹182 crore. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the operation on X, characterizing the substance as a “Jihadi drug.”
The interception, conducted under “Operation Ragepill,” resulted in the arrest of a foreign national. The consignment was allegedly destined for West Asia and was intercepted across two locations: Delhi’s Neb Sarai and Mundra Port in Gujarat.
Operation Ragepill: Intercepting the ‘Jihadi Drug’
Authorities revealed that a Syrian national had concealed the drugs within a tea leaves box. At Mundra Port, the shipment had arrived in a container that was falsely declared as a wool consignment.
An official stated that approximately 200 kg of Captagon originated from Syria and was intended for Saudi Arabia. Agencies are currently probing the Syrian national’s alleged terror links, as he had been operating from Delhi.
Captagon is described as a highly addictive synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant, often referred to as the “poor man’s cocaine.” It earned the “Jihadi drug” moniker because militant groups, including ISIS, have reportedly used it to increase the energy and endurance of combatants while reducing their fear in battle.
Sharing the news on X, Amit Shah stated: “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 Home Minister added that the arrest and the bust stand as “shining examples” of a commitment to zero tolerance, vowing to clamp down on every gram of drugs entering or leaving India via transit routes.
Strengthening National Port Security
The seizure comes amid a broader crackdown on maritime smuggling. According to a March 18, 2025, reply to a Parliament question by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, drugs worth ₹11,311 crore were seized from seaports across 19 major busts between 2020 and 2024.
India possesses at least 200 major and minor ports, though only about 65 are currently active in cargo operations. Currently, 13 major ports are secured by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is expected to soon take charge of 67 additional ports.
To further curb smuggling, the Centre is establishing the Bureau of Port Security (BoPS). Modeled after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), this new federal agency may ensure security standards at ports are comparable to those found at airports.
Operation Global-Hunt: The Return of Salim Dola
In a separate development, the NCB secured the return of Mohammad Salim Dola, a notorious 58-year-old international drug trafficker. Dola was detained in Istanbul on April 25 by the Beylikduzu police and the Turkish Intelligence Agency.
The arrest followed inputs from Indian agencies and a pending Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN). Dola, who had fled India for the UAE nearly eight years ago, had been living in various locations in Turkiye since early 2024 to avoid arrest.
Officials noted that Dola allegedly established a transnational drug trafficking syndicate spanning Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. He was taken into custody at IGI Airport in New Delhi and was later sent to NCB custody by a Mumbai court until May 8.
Commenting on the extradition, Amit Shah stated on X: “Under Modi government’s mission to ruthlessly smash drug cartels, our anti-narcotics agencies have extended their claws across borders through a robust network of global agencies.”
What Happens Next?
The NCB is likely to issue a detailed statement regarding the Captagon seizure. Investigations into the Syrian national’s potential terror links may continue to unfold as agencies probe the logistics of the West Asia route.
the deployment of CISF personnel to 67 more ports could lead to a more rigorous screening process for cargo containers, potentially increasing the frequency of narcotics interceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Captagon and why is it called the “Jihadi drug”?
Captagon is a highly addictive synthetic amphetamine-type stimulant. This proves called the “Jihadi drug” because militant groups such as ISIS have reportedly used it to give combatants more energy and endurance while reducing fear during battle.
What is the purpose of the proposed Bureau of Port Security (BoPS)?
The BoPS is a proposed federal agency designed to strengthen port security and curb smuggling. It aims to maintain security standards comparable to airports, with the CISF overseeing critical operations like cargo screening and access control.
Who is Mohammad Salim Dola and how was he captured?
Mohammad Salim Dola is an international drug trafficker who allegedly ran a syndicate across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. He was detained in Istanbul, Turkiye, on April 25 based on an Interpol Red Corner Notice and returned to India under Operation Global-Hunt.
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