In a major crackdown on illicit drug manufacturing, officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a coordinated operation across Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Kakinada, seizing 119.4 kg of Alprazolam in lumpy form worth around ₹23.88 crore in the illegal market, along with 87.8 kg of in-process material.
Acting on specific intelligence, the sleuths unearthed a clandestine facility at Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli district (Andhra Pradesh) where Alprazolam — a psychotropic substance regulated under the NDPS Act, 1985 — was being manufactured. The well-planned operation led to the apprehension of eight individuals, including the alleged mastermind, chemists, financiers, and buyers, all of whom were caught at the site.
In addition to the finished drugs, the officials seized 3,600 litres of liquid and 311.6 kg of solid raw materials, along with equipment such as two reactors, a centrifuge, and a drier. Several incriminating documents were also recovered to aid further investigation.
Authorities revealed that the arrested individuals were part of a syndicate with prior criminal records involving drug manufacturing, murder, cybercrimes, and economic offences. Interrogations indicated that the network was formed while the accused were in jail, pointing to the organized and deep-rooted nature of the operation.
The seized Alprazolam was reportedly intended for transport to Telangana, where it would have been illegally used to adulterate toddy. All eight accused have been remanded to judicial custody, and investigations are ongoing.
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