DRI busts synthetic drugs facility in Andhra, seizes Alprazolam worth Rs 47 cr

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a large-scale clandestine synthetic drug manufacturing facility in Kondapalli, NTR District, under 'Operation White Hammer'.

Amaravati: An illicit synthetic drugs manufacturing facility at Kondapalli in NTR District was busted and 237 kg of Alprazolam worth Rs 47 crore was seized, the DRI said on Friday.

As part of ‘Operation White Hammer’, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) raided the clandestine facility producing the psychotropic substance in Kondapalli Industrial Development Area in NTR District.

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“The DRI has busted a clandestine facility engaged in the production of Alprazolam… Searches at the premises resulted in the seizure of 237 kg Alprazolam with an estimated market value of Rs 47 crore,” said an official release on Friday.

The agency also seized 800 kg raw materials, 2,860 litres of various chemicals and industrial scale equipment such as reactors, driers and a centrifuge.

According to the DRI, the setup demonstrates an organised and large-scale clandestine manufacturing facility.

Preliminary investigation revealed the operation was spearheaded by a chemist with over 20 years of experience in chemical and pharmaceutical sector. He worked in collusion with his associate, who arranged raw materials and distribution in Hyderabad, said the release.

They rented a factory premises for clandestinely manufacturing Alprazolam, said DRI, adding that both the masterminds have been arrested.

The DRI undertook the raids on March 11 and 12 and seized over 3.5 tons of chemicals in total.

The illicit synthetic drugs manufacturing facility was operating under the guise of a chemical manufacturing unit.

During the current financial year, DRI has dismantled eight clandestine drug manufacturing units through intelligence-based operations, said the press release.