HM Amit Shah hails NCB's seizure of 227 kg 'Jihadi Drug' from Syrian national
New Delhi, May 16
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday hailed the Narcotics Control Bureau's breakthrough against transnational synthetic drug trafficking networks, under Operation RAGEPILL, seizing 227.7 kg of Captagon or 'Jihadi Drug' worth Rs 182 crore from a Syrian national.
In a post on X, HM Shah said, "Glad to share that through 'Operation RAGEPILL', our agencies have achieved the first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called 'Jihadi Drug', worth Rs182 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," he said.
"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," said HM Shah.
The Captagon mainly contains Fenetylline and Amphetamine, which are Psychotropic Substances under the NDPS Act.
Developing information received from a Foreign Drug Law Enforcement Agency that India is being used as a transit for the trafficking of Captagon, a house was identified in Neb Sarai, New Delhi, and a search of the house on May 11 led to the recovery of about 31.5 Kg Captagon Tablets, the NCB said.
The contraband was concealed in a commercial chapati cutting machine, which preliminary investigation suggests was intended for export to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the NCB said.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the Syrian national had entered India on a tourist visa on November 15, 2024, but his visa expired on January 12, 2025, and he was illegally overstaying in India and had taken the house in Neb Sarai on rent, the NCB said.
Questioning of the accused further led to the recovery of about 196.2 kgs of Captagon Powder from a container in the Container Facilitation Station (CFS) at Mundra, Gujarat, on May 14, it said.
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, it said.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the seized consignment was intended for transhipment 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, it said.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive operation! But I'm worried about how this Syrian national overstayed his visa and even managed to rent a house in Neb Sarai. Our immigration and local police need to be more vigilant. Still, proud of NCB for the catch. 👏
First-ever seizure of Captagon in India! This is a massive breakthrough. The fact that it was hidden in chapati cutting machines shows how creative these traffickers are. NCB deserves all the praise. Zero tolerance is the only way forward. 💪
As someone living in the Gulf region, I can confirm Captagon is a huge problem here. It's called 'Jihadi Drug' because militants use it to stay awake and fearless during attacks. India stopping this transit route is critical. Well done, NCB!
Good job, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. These syndicates are using India as a transit hub, and there must be many more such networks. Need stronger coordination with foreign agencies and stricter visa enforcement. Let's not get complacent.
Operation RAGEPILL is a fitting name! This seizure of ₹182 crore worth of drugs is huge. But I'm concerned about the Syrian national who just walked in on a tourist visa and overstayed for months. How many more such people are in our country? 🤔
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