NCB seizes Rs 182 crore ‘Jihadi Drug’ shipment under Operation Ragepill

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday announced that enforcement agencies had made India’s first-ever seizure of Captagon, a banned synthetic stimulant often referred to in international reports as the ‘Jihadi Drug’. The operation, named ‘Operation Ragepill’, led to the seizure of narcotics worth Rs 182 crore and marked a major breakthrough in the country’s fight against international drug trafficking.

According to officials, the seized consignment was meant to be transported to the Middle East. Authorities also arrested a foreign national in connection with the case. The operation was carried out by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) as part of its intensified crackdown on synthetic drug networks operating throughout India.

In a post on X, Amit Shah said the action reflected the Centre’s commitment towards building a drug-free India. He reiterated the government’s strict stand against narcotics trafficking and warned against attempts to use Indian territory for international drug smuggling activities.

The Home Minister said authorities would take tough action against anyone trying to use India as a transit route for moving illegal drugs into or out of the country. He also praised officers of the Narcotics Control Bureau for successfully carrying out the operation.

Captagon is a prohibited synthetic stimulant that has frequently been linked to organised crime groups and conflict-hit regions in parts of West Asia. International agencies have often highlighted its illegal trade due to its alleged use by extremist groups and criminal networks. The seizure is being seen as significant because this is the first time Indian authorities have intercepted such a consignment inside the country.

Indian agencies have recently increased surveillance on synthetic narcotics trafficking through air cargo and maritime channels. Officials believe international drug syndicates are trying to expand routes across South Asia, prompting agencies to strengthen monitoring and intelligence gathering.

The latest seizure comes amid a series of major anti-drug operations conducted by the NCB in recent months. Earlier this month, the agency seized 349 kg of high-grade cocaine worth Rs 1,745 crore in Mumbai. Investigators later uncovered a larger international trafficking network through what officials described as a ‘bottom-to-top’ investigation strategy.

In another operation highlighted earlier by Amit Shah, authorities recovered cocaine, ganja, and cannabis gummies valued at nearly Rs 200 crore. Investigators said the case involved Mumbai-based networks that were allegedly connected to overseas operators and international courier channels.

Official figures released by the NCB showed that more than 1.33 lakh kg of narcotics had been seized across India in 2025. The estimated value of the recovered drugs stood at nearly Rs 1,980 crore. During the same period, agencies registered 447 cases and arrested 994 accused, including 25 foreign nationals.

The government has repeatedly stated that dismantling narcotics networks remains one of its major internal security priorities. Speaking at an anti-narcotics programme on Friday, Amit Shah said the Centre had prepared a roadmap to make India drug-free by 2047. The latest Captagon seizure is now being viewed as another major step in that larger national campaign against organised drug trafficking and synthetic narcotics networks.