New Delhi: Terrorist attacks are not just powered by weapons and training, but also by something that is not visible from the outside—a small pill called ‘Captagon’. Members of organizations like Hamas and ISIS consume this drug before big incidents. This drug gives them the power to commit atrocities with a cool mind, without worrying about fear, fatigue or pain. But what is this pill and how does it affect terrorists? Let’s know the truth about it.

What is Captagon?

Captagon was created in the 1960s as a mild alternative to amphetamine and methamphetamine. Its purpose was to treat narcolepsy (sudden sleep disorder), fatigue and some brain diseases. Its main ingredient is phenethyline, which is a synthetic stimulant. According to a report by Drug.com, drugs like dexamphetamine have already been used in armies to keep soldiers awake for longer and boost their courage. Captagon was considered a safer version of it, but soon it started getting misused. In 1980, the US government declared it a controlled drug and banned its production.

How does this pill work?

According to media reports and experts, Captagon affects terrorists in many ways. It stimulates the central nervous system, resulting in—

Fatigue and sleep disappear: It keeps them alert and active for hours.

Fear and emotions are suppressed: It eliminates fear, hesitation or empathy, making cruelty easier.

Less pain perception: They keep fighting even when they are hurt, because they do not feel pain.

Increase in concentration: It helps in executing a precise plan of attack.

Addiction expert Dr. Anil Sharma explains, “Captagon is a psychoactive drug. It increases chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline, which temporarily makes a person feel like a ‘superhuman’. But its side effects are serious- increased heart rate, mental instability and long-term addiction.” Why is it important for terrorists? Many international reports have claimed that Captagon is used by terrorist organizations especially in the Middle East. On 7 October 2023, this drug was recovered from the terrorists involved in the Hamas attack on Israel. Similarly, it was also found with ISIS terrorists in the Paris attack in 2015. According to a BBC report, this drug is produced on a large scale in Syria, where it is called the ‘pill of jihadists’. It not only prepares the terrorists mentally, but also promotes their cruelty. A former military officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, says, “This drug makes terrorists like machines. They neither think nor fear. It works like a weapon for them.” Why did it become a topic of discussion? Captagon became so popular in the Middle East and North Africa that it was even called the ‘fuel of the Syrian war’. Its illegal production and smuggling flourished during the civil war in Syria. Experts believe that it has also become a source of funding for terrorist organizations. According to a United Nations report, more than 12 tons of Captagon were seized in Saudi Arabia in 2020, worth billions of dollars. What is its effect? ​​Although this drug gives instant power to terrorists, it also has another side. Long-term use causes physical and mental devastation. Serious side effects such as depression, irritability and sleep problems are seen on quitting the drug. But this does not matter to terrorist organizations, because life is of little value in their mission. Human perspective
This drug has become not just a chemical substance, but a tool of violence and destruction. A family member of a victim of the Paris attacks said, “People who attack after taking this drug are no longer human beings. It scares us that technology and drugs are falling into the wrong hands like this.” This raises the question whether the ban on this drug can reduce terrorism, or is it just a part of a larger crisis?

What next?
The smuggling and use of Captagon is being monitored internationally. But stopping its illegal production is a challenge. This drug is proving to be helpful in increasing the brutality of terrorism, and it is necessary to take strict action against it. For now, this small pill remains a dangerous pawn in the big game of terror.

(The author is an independent journalist. This article is based on facts and expert opinion.)