Bollaram Drug Bust: 90 kg of 3-MMC marked for Europe seized; owner held

Hyderabad: In a joint operation, led by the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) and the Prohibition and Excise Department, an illegal manufacturing site of the psychotropic substance 3-Methylmethcathinone (3-MMC) was successfully busted. The operation, initiated based on an alert from Interpol, resulted in the seizure of 90.48 kg of 3-MMC worth Rs 8.99 crores. The owner of the illegal manufacturing unit was also arrested during the raid.

Company lacked manufacturing records

Officials raided PSN Medicare Pvt Ltd in IDA Bollaram in Sangareddy District, where Kasthur Reddy Nemallapudi was found to be manufacturing the illicit drug 3-MMC and exporting it to European nations. The site was operating without proper batch manufacturing records or production logs.

“The abuse of illicit and dangerous drugs poses significant health risks, impacting individuals physically, mentally, and emotionally,” said VB Kamalasan Reddy, IPS, director general of DCA.

What is 3-MMC?

Investigations revealed that the substance, known as 2-(methylamino)-1-(3- methylphenyl) propan-1-one, is chemically identical to 3-MMC, listed under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Following the raid, Kasthur Reddy, along with other personnel involved, was arrested by the Prohibition and Excise Department officers. A case has been registered under Section 8(c) r/w 22(c) of the NDPS Act.

Impact of drugs

The manufacturing and distribution of illegal drugs pose severe health risks, including addiction, overdose, and various complications such as cardiovascular problems, mental health disorders, and neurological impairments.