EAGLE Force busts Alprazolam trafficking network in Hyderabad

The Telangana EAGLE Force arrested six persons and seized 1.189 kg of Alprazolam worth around Rs 25 lakh during a raid in Hyderabad. Police alleged the drug was supplied to toddy vendors to enhance intoxication and increase illegal profits

Hyderabad: The Telangana EAGLE Force’s Rachakonda Narcotic Police Station busted an inter-district Alprazolam trafficking network and arrested six persons allegedly involved in procuring, financing, transporting and supplying the psychotropic substance, which was allegedly intended to be mixed with toddy to enhance its intoxicating effect.

In a pre-dawn operation at Rukmini Enclave in Macha Bolarum on Tuesday, the police seized 1.189 kg of Alprazolam valued at around Rs 25 lakh, cash amounting to Rs 5,45,100, eight mobile phones and a car.

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According to the police, the suspects were supplying Alprazolam to toddy compounds and toddy shop operators, who allegedly mixed the substance with toddy to increase its intoxicating effect and attract more customers for higher illegal profits.

On specific information, the EAGLE Force conducted surveillance in the locality and intercepted a car after four men carrying the suspected consignment boarded the vehicle, where two others were waiting. All six occupants were arrested and the contraband was recovered during the search.

The police said the suspects were part of an organised network that allegedly procured Alprazolam in bulk, stored it at safe locations and distributed it to toddy vendors after collecting advance payments.

“Deliveries were reportedly made during late-night and early-morning hours at predetermined locations to avoid detection, while the syndicate used private vehicles and mobile phones to coordinate the transactions,” said Director, EAGLE Force, Sandeep Shandilya.

The police said the suspects included businessmen, toddy compound owners, a real estate businessman and others who were financially well-settled but allegedly engaged in the illegal trade for higher profits.

Three more suspects have been identified and are absconding.