Illegal Alprazolam Unit Busted in Andhra, 8 Arrested, Drugs Worth Rs 24 Crore Seized

New Delhi: In a major crackdown on the illegal drug trade, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has discovered a clandestine manufacturing unit of Alprazolam, a highly regulated psychotropic drug commonly used in the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders but frequently abused as a narcotic, at Atchuthapuram in Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh, and seized 119.4 kg of Alprazolam in lumpy form, valued at approximately Rs 23.88 crore in the illicit market, along with 87.8 kg of in-process material.

The DRI officials also apprehended eight persons involved in the illegal manufacturing and distribution of Alprazolam, including the mastermind, chemists, financiers, and buyers, at the same place.

The officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence from Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Kakinada executed a swift and well-coordinated operation resulting in the seizure of 119.4 kg of alprazolam in lumpy form, valued at approximately Rs. 23.88 crore in the illicit market, along with 87.8 kg of in-process material.

This came after developing specific intelligence that a few persons were clandestinely manufacturing 'Alprazolam'—a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985—at a facility in Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh.

The DRI officials meticulously planned the operation to arrest the entire set of persons involved in the manufacturing and distribution of Alprazolam.

Additionally, 3,600 liters in liquid form and 311.6 kg in solid form of illegally procured raw materials and equipment (two reactors, one centrifuge, and one dryer) used for manufacturing alprazolam and a few incriminating documents were seized to aid further investigation.

All eight accused persons were arrested and remanded to judicial custody. It is noteworthy that most of the arrested individuals have prior involvement in cases related to the clandestine manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and other criminal activities (murder, cybercrimes, and economic offenses).

Initial interrogation revealed that these individuals conspired to undertake this illegal activity, having formed their network during their time in jail, underscoring the deep-rooted and organized nature of the syndicate. The said Alprazolam was intended for transport to Telangana for adulterating today. Further investigation in the case is in progress.