Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the Narcotics Control Bureau for its successful operation, seizing 227.7 kg of Captagon, also known as the ‘Jihadi Drug,’ valued at Rs 182 crore from a Syrian national. Shah expressed satisfaction over this significant achievement, highlighting the interception of the drug consignment bound for the Middle East and the apprehension of a foreign national as exemplary actions in combating drug trafficking. He reiterated the government’s firm stance on eradicating drug trafficking activities within and through India, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs.
The seized Captagon, containing Fenetylline and Amphetamine, falls under Psychotropic Substances as per the NDPS Act. Acting on intelligence from a foreign drug enforcement agency regarding Captagon trafficking through India, a residence in Neb Sarai, New Delhi, was identified. A subsequent search on May 11 uncovered approximately 31.5 kg of Captagon Tablets concealed within a commercial chapati cutting machine, intended for export to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Further investigations revealed that the Syrian national, who entered India on a tourist visa in November 2024, had overstayed illegally after his visa expired in January 2025. Renting a house in Neb Sarai, the individual was involved in drug trafficking activities. Subsequent questioning of the suspect led to the discovery of an additional 196.2 kgs of Captagon Powder in a container at Mundra, Gujarat, on May 14.
The intercepted consignment, imported from Syria under the guise of sheep wool, was intended for transshipment to the Gulf region, particularly Saudi Arabia and neighboring Middle Eastern countries. The prevalence of Captagon abuse in these regions poses significant challenges to law enforcement and public health authorities.
