Amaravati, March 14: In a significant crackdown on the illegal production of synthetic drugs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a secret factory manufacturing Alprazolam in Andhra Pradesh. The agency conducted a raid in the Kondapalli Industrial Development Area of NTR district, seizing 237 kilograms of the drug valued at approximately ₹47 crore.
The DRI also recovered 3.5 tons of chemicals from the factory and arrested two individuals involved in the operation.
This operation, dubbed “Operation White Hammer,” was executed based on intelligence reports between March 11 and 12. Investigations revealed that large-scale illegal production of Alprazolam was being conducted under the guise of a chemical manufacturing unit.
During the search, in addition to the 237 kilograms of Alprazolam, authorities found over 800 kilograms of raw materials, 2,860 liters of various chemicals, and industrial equipment such as reactors, dryers, and centrifuges. According to the agency, this was a well-organized and large-scale illegal production center.
Initial investigations indicated that a chemist with over 20 years of experience in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors was operating the entire network. His associate was responsible for sourcing raw materials and supplying the drugs from Hyderabad. The accused had rented the factory premises specifically for the clandestine production of Alprazolam.
Alprazolam is classified as a controlled psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985. The DRI has apprehended both primary suspects involved in this operation.
So far this fiscal year, the DRI has dismantled eight illegal drug manufacturing units based on intelligence-led operations, reaffirming its commitment to the government’s campaign for a drug-free India.
In a related development, the Hyderabad city police arrested four drug traffickers and seized 3.2 kilograms of marijuana. Acting on a tip-off, a team from the Hyderabad Police Commissionerate’s Task Force (Charminar Zone) collaborated with local police stations in separate operations to apprehend two interstate traffickers and two local peddlers.
According to police reports, the suspects were transporting and selling dry marijuana. During the operation, 3.2 kilograms of the substance was confiscated.
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