Operation RAGEPILL: NCB Busts Major International Drug Trafficking Network; Makes India’s First-Ever Seizure of Addictive Drug Captagon used in Middle East
In a major breakthrough against transnational synthetic drug trafficking networks, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), under Operation RAGEPILL, has successfully unearthed an international drug syndicate involved in the trafficking of Captagon, leading to the seizure of approximately 227.7 Kgs. of Captagon Tablets/Powder and the arrest of one overstaying Syrian national, who is a member of the syndicate. The Captagon mainly contains Fenetylline and Amphetamine which are Psychotropic Substances under the NDPS Act.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the NCB staff for successfully carrying out the ‘Operation RAGEPILL’. Shah said that through ‘Operation RAGEPILL’, our agencies have achieved the first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called “Jihadi Drug”.
Amit Shah posted on X, “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 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. 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.”
The seizure also assumes significance in light of another recent major NCB seizure in Mumbai involving 349 kilograms of cocaine concealed in a container originating from Ecuador, indicating an increasing trend of transnational drug syndicates misusing commercial cargo and containerized trade routes for trafficking narcotic substances across regions.
The NCB has initiated a comprehensive investigation to identify the source of procurement, financial and hawala linkages, logistics facilitators, international receivers, and the wider transnational network associated with the syndicate.