DRI Cracks Down on Illegal Drug Unit in Andhra

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a major operation on Sunday, dismantling an illegal Alprazolam manufacturing facility in Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. The raid resulted in the seizure of 119.4 kg of Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, valued at approximately Rs 23.88 crore in the illicit market. Eight individuals, including the mastermind, chemists, financiers, and buyers, were arrested and remanded to judicial custody.

Acting on precise intelligence, DRI teams from Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Kakinada coordinated the operation, uncovering a sophisticated setup producing Alprazolam, often used to adulterate toddy in Telangana. In addition to the 119.4 kg of finished Alprazolam, authorities seized 87.8 kg of in-process material, 3,600 liters of liquid raw materials, 311.6 kg of solid precursors, two reactors, a centrifuge, a drier, and incriminating documents. Some of the arrested individuals have prior records involving narcotics, murder, cybercrimes, and economic offenses, highlighting the syndicate’s extensive criminal network.

The DRI’s swift action underscores its ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking in India. The seized materials and equipment reveal the scale of the operation, which posed a significant threat to public health due to Alprazolam’s misuse in recreational and illicit contexts. Authorities are continuing investigations to identify additional links in the supply chain and prevent further distribution of the banned substance.

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