Drug bust in Jeedimetla: EAGLE team seizes Ephedrine worth Rs 70 crore; 4 held

Hyderabad: The Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) team seized 220 kg of Ephedrine valued at Rs 10 crore in India and Rs 70 crore internationally.

The Ephedrine manufacturing racket was found at a residential flat in Sai Datta Residency, Spring Field Colony, Jeedimetla and four persons were arrested.

Silent watch on habitual offenders

EAGLE had been tracking Shiva Ramakrishna Parama Varma, a repeat offender with prior drug arrests in 2017 and 2019.

Using intelligence and discreet surveillance, officers monitored his movements, the industrial units he visited, and his associates in the chemical industry.

This silent watch allowed the police to plan a coordinated strike, catching the conspirators red-handed.

How the racket operated

In December 2024, Varma approached Dangeti Anil, Production Manager at PNM Life Sciences, with a proposal to produce Ephedrine at the company’s facility in IDA Bollaram. Enticed by the offer, Anil roped in the company directors, Venkata Krishna Rao and M Prasad.

Varma supplied key chemicals, Toluene, Bromine, Acetone and provided Rs 8 lakh for additional raw materials like Sodium Hydroxide flakes, Hydrochloric Acid and Acetic Acid. After a multi-stage chemical process, the group produced 220 kilograms of high-grade Ephedrine, stored in Varma’s flat.

Musini Dorababu, an operator at Vignasai Laboratories, helped identify potential buyers, completing the supply chain.

PNM Life Sciences manufacturing unit seized

On Thursday, EAGLE moved in after confirming the conspirators’ gathering at Varma’s flat: Shiva Ramakrishna Parama Varma (52) – former chemist and real estate entrepreneur from Kakinada, AP; previously arrested in 2017 and 2019 for drug offenses.

Others include Dangeti Anil (31) – Production Manager at PNM Life Sciences, IDA Bollaram, Hyderabad; originally from Kakinada, AP. Musini Dorababu (29) – Production Operator at Vignasai Laboratories Pvt. Ltd, Jeedimetla, Hyderabad; native of East Godavari, AP.

The accused also involved Maddu Venkata Krishna Rao (45) – Director of PNM Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, Bollaram; from Sullurupeta, Tirupati.

Co-director M Prasad (49) remains absconding. Four mobile phones were also seized during the raid.

The PNM Life Sciences manufacturing unit at IDA Bollaram was seized. No official records, lease deeds or financial documents were maintained, indicating deliberate involvement in illegal operations.

Seizure details

Ephedrine: 220 kg (A-quality).

Market Value: Rs 10 crore (domestic), Rs 70 crore (international).

Other items seized: 4 mobile phones

Authorities noted that Ephedrine can be converted into methamphetamine, greatly increasing its street value.

Health hazards of Ephedrine

Police warned that Ephedrine is highly addictive, causing anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, shivering, loss of appetite and weight loss.

EAGLE appeals to public

EAGLE urged citizens, especially parents and youth, to stay vigilant and report drug-related activities to the following numbers and handles:

Toll-Free: 1908

WhatsApp: 87126 71111

Email: tsnabho-hyd@tspolice.gov.in

All information will remain confidential, and credible informants may be rewarded.

“Let us join hands to build a drug-free Telangana,” EAGLE appealed.