Amaravati, March 14: In a significant crackdown on illegal synthetic drug production, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered a clandestine factory in NTR district, Andhra Pradesh. This operation, dubbed “Operation White Hammer,” resulted in the seizure of 237 kilograms of alprazolam, valued at approximately ₹47 crores in the international market.
The operation took place on March 11 and 12, 2026, in the Kondapalli Industrial Development Area of NTR district. Acting on intelligence, officials exposed an industrial unit that was illicitly manufacturing the banned psychotropic drug alprazolam under the guise of a chemical manufacturing facility.
During the search, the DRI team recovered over 800 kilograms of key raw materials, 2,860 liters of various chemicals, and a range of industrial equipment, including reactors, dryers, and centrifuges.
Initial investigations revealed that the illegal operation was run by a chemist with over 20 years of experience in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors. He had established this network in collaboration with an associate, who was responsible for sourcing raw materials in Hyderabad and distributing the finished drugs. Both suspects had rented the factory premises to produce alprazolam illegally. The DRI has arrested the two main accused and is continuing its investigation.
According to officials, the DRI has dismantled eight clandestine drug manufacturing units this fiscal year based on intelligence-led operations. This action is part of a broader initiative under the central government’s campaign for a drug-free India, aimed at safeguarding society from the dangers of narcotics and psychotropic substances. The DRI has made it clear that such operations against illegal drug production and trafficking will continue unabated in the country.
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