What is Captagon and why is it called ‘Jihadi drug’? ExplainedCaptagon is the common street name historically associated with Fenethylline, a synthetic stimulant drug originally developed in the 1960s. Updated on: May 16, 2026 1:58 PM IST By Prawesh Lama | Edited by Shivam Pratap Singh Share
HR calls out colleague, management in resignation email over employee treatmentAn HR professional’s instant resignation email slamming toxic management and a colleague has sparked a massive discussion online. Updated on: May 16, 2026 1:13 PM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link A LinkedIn
'Bindaas aaram karo': Manager offers 2-day period leave to female employee, internet dividedA WhatsApp chat between a manager and a newly joined female employee about period leave has divided the internet. Updated on: May 16, 2026 1:41 PM IST By Bhavya Sukheja Share via Copy link A manager’s
Step inside Rajeev Khandelwal’s stunning triplex Mumbai home with earthy interiors and cosy cornersHere’s a sneak peek into Rajeev Khandelwal’s Mumbai triplex featuring chic interiors, warm lighting and stylish décor. Published on: May 16, 2026 1:56 PM IST By Anukriti Srivastava Share via
Climate Change crisis: IMD to change parameters to declare heatwavesClimate Change crisis: IMD to change parameters to declare heatwaves Updated on: May 16, 2026 1:37 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Thiruvananthapuram, The IMD, along with its technical partners
, the state cybercrime department, has initiated action against the alleged illegal operations of across the state and issued notices to to remove applications facilitating unauthorised bike taxi operations, according to a report by The on Friday
Booked for the screen: Upcoming movies and web series adapted from bestsellersRanveer Singh might not be seen as Lord Shiva in the film adaptation of The Immortals of Meluha. But these stories from books are headed to your screen Published on: May 16
Social media CEOs once again are being called to testify before the Senate in light of mounting legal and public pressure to protect young users on their platforms. The leaders of Meta, Alphabet, TikTok and Snap were invited to testify next month before the Senate Judiciary Committee
What is Captagon and why is it called ‘Jihadi drug’
What is Captagon and why is it called ‘Jihadi drug’? Explained
What is Captagon and why is it called ‘Jihadi drug’? Explained
Captagon is the common street name historically associated with Fenethylline, a synthetic stimulant drug originally developed in the 1960s.
Updated on: May 16, 2026 1:58 PM IST By Prawesh Lama | Edited by Shivam Pratap Singh Share via Copy link Union home minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved its first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called “Jihadi Drug”, worth ₹182 crore under ‘Operation Ragepill’. Iraq, which borders Syria, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, is a transit country for drug smuggling and has become a major corridor for the drug trade in recent years, particularly for Captagon and crystal meth. (AFP File) “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,” Shah said in a post on X. “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,” he added. But what exactly is Captagon, and why did Amit Shah refer to it as a “Jihadi drug”? Here is a deep dive:What is the Captagon drug?
Captagon is the common street name historically associated with Fenethylline, a synthetic stimulant drug originally developed in the 1960s for medical treatment of attention disorders like ADHD and narcolepsy. Owing to its addictive properties and abuse potential, the original pharmaceutical formulation was eventually prohibited internationally by the 1980s. According to sources, most illicit Captagon tablets currently circulating in illegal drug markets typically contain combinations of amphetamine, caffeine, methamphetamine, and other synthetic stimulants. The manufacturing of this drug is done secretly. The sources added that Captagon is widely abused in parts of West Asia for its stimulant and euphoric effects. These effects include heightened alertness and energy, reduced hunger and fatigue, temporary euphoria, prolonged wakefulness, and increased confidence and aggression. The drug reportedly also causes impaired judgment, impulsive behaviour, and psychological dependence upon repeated use. It is also referred to in some regions as the “Poor Man’s Cocaine.”Why is Captagon referred to as a ‘Jihadi drug’?
Sources said that Captagon has frequently been referred to in international media and security discourse as the "Jihadi Drug” due to repeated allegations and intelligence inputs over the years linking its abuse and trafficking with extremist and conflict-zone networks operating in parts of West Asia. International agencies have identified the Captagon trade as one of the most significant emerging synthetic drug threats in West Asia, involving clandestine laboratories, precursor chemical diversion, hawala financing, forged trade documentation, maritime trafficking routes, courier networks, and sophisticated concealment mechanisms. This is due to its comparatively low production cost and extremely high illicit demand. The primary hub of illegal Captagon production has historically been Syria. The terminology emerged due to its use by groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) because the stimulant effects of the drug allegedly enabled users to remain awake for extended periods, suppress fear and exhaustion, increase aggression and risk-taking behaviour, and sustain prolonged combat-like activity under stressful conditions. Various international investigations and conflict-zone recoveries over the past decade indicated that Captagon tablets were found among armed groups and trafficking syndicates operating in war-affected regions. According to sources, the enormous profits generated from Captagon trafficking have also reportedly become a significant source of illicit financing for extremist-linked networks such as ISIS. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Prawesh Lama Prawesh Lama covers crime, policing, and issues of security in Delhi. Raised in Darjeeling, educated in Mumbai, he also looks at special features on social welfare in the National Capital. Narcotics Control Bureau Amit Shah Drugs Check India news real-time updates, latest news, CBSE 12th Result 2026 LIVE from India on Hindustan Times and more across India. Home/India News/What Is Captagon And Why Is It Called ‘Jihadi Drug’? Explained See LessUnion home minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved its first-ever seizure of Captagon, the so-called “Jihadi Drug”, worth ₹182 crore under ‘Operation Ragepill’.
“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,” Shah said in a post on X.
“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,” he added.
But what exactly is Captagon, and why did Amit Shah refer to it as a “Jihadi drug”? Here is a deep dive:
According to sources, most illicit Captagon tablets currently circulating in illegal drug markets typically contain combinations of amphetamine, caffeine, methamphetamine, and other synthetic stimulants. The manufacturing of this drug is done secretly.
The sources added that Captagon is widely abused in parts of West Asia for its stimulant and euphoric effects. These effects include heightened alertness and energy, reduced hunger and fatigue, temporary euphoria, prolonged wakefulness, and increased confidence and aggression.
The drug reportedly also causes impaired judgment, impulsive behaviour, and psychological dependence upon repeated use.
It is also referred to in some regions as the “Poor Man’s Cocaine.”
International agencies have identified the Captagon trade as one of the most significant emerging synthetic drug threats in West Asia, involving clandestine laboratories, precursor chemical diversion, hawala financing, forged trade documentation, maritime trafficking routes, courier networks, and sophisticated concealment mechanisms. This is due to its comparatively low production cost and extremely high illicit demand. The primary hub of illegal Captagon production has historically been Syria.
The terminology emerged due to its use by groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) because the stimulant effects of the drug allegedly enabled users to remain awake for extended periods, suppress fear and exhaustion, increase aggression and risk-taking behaviour, and sustain prolonged combat-like activity under stressful conditions.
Various international investigations and conflict-zone recoveries over the past decade indicated that Captagon tablets were found among armed groups and trafficking syndicates operating in war-affected regions.
According to sources, the enormous profits generated from Captagon trafficking have also reportedly become a significant source of illicit financing for extremist-linked networks such as ISIS.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: NCB busts pan-India darknet drug network called ‘Team Kalki’ Indian Food Items That Mimic The Ozempic Drug Effect In Our Body For Weight Loss 1996 drug seizure case Drug addiction abruptly ends career of storied all-rounder COVID 19 drug case China halts sale of Sun Pharma drug used to treat dementia Weight-loss drug Wegovy is here Colombia recalls ambassador to US after Trump calls Petro ‘illegal drug leader’ NCB busts darknet drug network Six techies held for drug use at Hyderabad farmhouse party
The Election Commission has ordered a probe into allegations of foreign nationals voting in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Police arrested ten foreign nationals attempting to fly out after noticing indelible ink on their fingers. These individuals, from Sri Lanka, the UK, and Canada
1 minutes ago
Ankur Warikoo's old video on life in Mumbai versus Bangalore has gone viral following the big announcement that he is shutting down his courses business despite the venture generating over ₹100 crore in revenue and ₹25 crore in profits over the last 5 years
1 minutes ago
Don't miss out on muskmelon this summer: Fortis Delhi gastroenterologist shares its health benefitsMuskmelon is an underrated fruit that provides multiple health benefits in summer, explains Dr Shubham Vatsya. Updated on: May 16, 2026 1:46 PM IST By Debapriya Bhattacharya Share via Copy link Summer
1 minutes ago
Indian national record holders Animesh Kujur and Mohammed Afsal demolished the rest of the field, as both runners delivered gold-medal performances at the Saudi Athletics Grand Prix 2026 in Riyadh on Friday. Competing at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University Stadium
1 minutes ago
Avani cards second lowest score of the day to make cut in GermanyAvani cards second lowest score of the day to make cut in Germany Published on: May 16, 2026 1:44 PM IST PTI Share via Copy link Hamburg , Avani Prashanth emerged as the lone Indian to make the cut at the Amundi German Masters after
2 minutes ago
As a child, Reble often felt she was watching life from the sidelines. Now, at 24, the rapper has become one of the most compelling new voices in Indian hip-hop. Hailing from the rain-soaked hills of Meghalaya in India's northeast, Reble raps in English as well as Khasi and Jaintia - indigenous
2 hours ago
Arm Holdings faces an antitrust probe by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission over the British chip designer’s licensing of its semiconductor technology, part of global scrutiny of the business, Bloomberg News reported on Friday. The FTC is investigating whether Arm is trying to illegally
2 hours ago
The court granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 along with one surety of the like amount. Businessman Robert Vadra was granted bail by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Saturday in the money laundering case linked to the Shikohpur land deal
2 hours ago
Assault on woman lawyer: SC asks police to conclude probe quickly, ensure her protectionAssault on woman lawyer: SC asks police to conclude probe quickly, ensure her protection Published on: May 16, 2026 11:02 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link New Delhi
2 hours ago
Jasprit Bumrah made his Mumbai Indians captaincy debut vs Punjab Kings in Dharamsala. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah made his captaincy debut for Mumbai Indians on Thursday, becoming the 10th player to lead the franchise in the IPL. Bumrah took charge of the five-time champions after both Hardik Pandya
2 hours ago
JEE Advanced 2026 Exam: JEE Advanced 2026 Exam Tomorrow: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) will conduct the JEE Advanced 2026 on Sunday, May 17, 2026. The examination will be held in two different shifts, Paper 1 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Paper 2 from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
2 hours ago
The Eurovision Song Contest reaches its grand final on Saturday night, with Finland, Greece and Australia among the favourites to win. The show is taking place in Vienna, which seems to have prompted half of the contestants to throw an operatic riff into their song, whether it needs it or not
2 hours ago
![Cannes [France], May 16 (ANI): Two-time Oscar nominee John Travolta was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or ahead of the world premiere of his feature](http://newsorbit360.com/files/news/en/imgs/john-travolta-receives-surprise-honorary-palme-d.webp?height=520)
Cannes [France], May 16 (ANI): Two-time Oscar nominee John Travolta was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or ahead of the world premiere of his feature directorial debut, ‘Propeller One-Way Night Coach’ at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. The honour was presented by Cannes chief Thierry
2 hours ago
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday delivered major strategic and economic gains for India, with the two countries signing agreements to strengthen cooperation in energy security and petroleum storage. As part of the understanding
2 hours ago
Soft And Fluffy Egg White Bhurji With Colourful Vegetables For Healthy Meal PreparationLean egg white bhurji combines egg whites, fresh vegetables, and mild spices to create a low-calorie high-protein meal suitable for balanced eating. Updated on: May 16
2 hours ago
Hyderabad, May 16 (PTI) Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy left for Delhi on Saturday morning for a brief visit. He is scheduled to attend the wedding reception of the son of Telangana High Court Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh in the national capital this evening, official sources said
2 hours ago
Milk may look the same in your glass—but not all cows’ milk is identical. Over the past few years, A2 milk has gained popularity in India and globally, often marketed as a “healthier" or “easier-to-digest" alternative to regular milk. But is it really better than A1 milk
2 hours ago
US President Donald Trump's visit to Beijing ended with a tour of Zhongnanhai, the exclusive, heavily guarded 14th Century compound where top Chinese leaders live and work. Xi leading him on the tour was yet another moment for the cameras in a two-day trip heavy on pageantry but scant on details
2 hours ago
Institutional investors took new positions in ranging from to during the first quarter of the year, positioning them to profit from a red-hot rally that extended into the second quarter, according to a Reuters overview of filings from some 6,600 hedge funds, pension funds
2 hours ago
Indian who called Japan home for 30 years fears deportation, breaks down crying: ‘My children only speak Japanese’The Indian man who has lived in Japan for over 3 decades runs a curry restaurant near Tokyo. Published on: May 16, 2026 9:19 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link An Indian
2 hours ago
5 from Jaipur family at the centre of paper leak case cleared NEET in 2025Dinesh Biwal, along with his brother Mangilal Biwal and Mangilal's son Vikas Biwal, was arrested in connection with the NEET paper leak. Published on: May 16, 2026 10:45 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy link Five
2 hours ago
Protein Rich Dahi Paratha With Tangy Flavour And Balanced Nutrition For Breakfast TimeHigh-protein dahi paratha combines yoghurt, whole wheat flour, and spices to create a soft breakfast flatbread with balanced flavour and protein-rich nutrition. Updated on: May 16
2 hours ago
Iran on Friday urged India to continue investing in the strategically important Chabahar Port despite growing pressure from US sanctions, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing the project as a major symbol of India-Iran cooperation
2 hours ago
Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sister moved the Islamabad High Court, challenging his “prolonged solitary confinement” at Adiala Jail, calling it illegal and a violation of fundamental rights, according to a media report on Friday (May 15, 2026)
2 hours ago
faces an antitrust probe by the U.S. over the British chip designer's licensing of its , part of global scrutiny of the business, Bloomberg News reported on Friday.The FTC is investigating whether Arm is trying to illegally monopolize parts of the semiconductor market, the report said
2 hours ago
Manipur: Talks on for release of those still in captivity of armed groupsManipur: Talks on for release of those still in captivity of armed groups Published on: May 16, 2026 11:34 AM IST PTI Share via Copy link Imphal, Talks are underway among civil society organisations
2 hours ago
Career Horoscope Today for May 16, 2026: Quiet progress may actually begin to show visible resultsCareer Horoscope Today, May 16, 2026: Get career astrological predictions to help you prosper at your workplace. Published on: May 16, 2026 8:34 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries Your
2 hours ago
