New Delhi, 16 May (H.S.):

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), under ‘Operation Rejpil,’ has busted a major international drug trafficking syndicate and seized 227.7 kg of Captagon pills and powder. The estimated value of the seized narcotics is Rs 182 crore. A Syrian national, who was staying illegally in India even after his visa had expired, has been arrested in the case.

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah congratulated the NCB team for the operation on social media platform X, saying that through ‘Operation Rejpil,’ Captagon has been seized in India for the first time. He said the Modi government is committed to the resolve of a “drug-free India” and will not allow India to be used as a transit route for narcotics.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said that acting on information received from a foreign anti-narcotics agency, the NCB raided a house in the Neb Sarai area of South Delhi on May 11. Around 31.5 kg of Captagon tablets were recovered from there, concealed inside a commercial chapati-cutting machine. Preliminary investigation found that the consignment was to be sent to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Investigation revealed that the arrested Syrian national had come to India on a tourist visa on November 15, 2024, but his visa expired on January 12, 2025. Despite this, he continued to stay illegally in India and was using the rented house for trafficking activities.

Following interrogation, the NCB carried out another operation on May 14 at a container facility in Mundra, Gujarat, and recovered 196.2 kg of Captagon powder. The container had been shipped from Syria and was declared to contain sheep wool. During the search, the narcotics were found concealed in three bags.

According to the ministry, preliminary investigation has revealed that the entire consignment was intended for shipment to Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and the West Asia region, where the misuse of Captagon is considered a serious law-and-order and public health challenge.

The NCB said Captagon is mainly made from psychotropic substances such as fenethylline and amphetamine, which are prohibited under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. Describing it as the first major seizure of Captagon in India, the agency said international syndicates are attempting to use India as a transit hub.

The NCB has launched a wide-ranging investigation into money laundering, hawala networks, supply chains, foreign links and the international trafficking syndicate. The agency said it will continue action against drug trafficking and narco-terrorism in coordination with national and international agencies.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar