Hyderabad: EAGLE busts synthetic drug racket in UP’s Agra; 886 litre chemical seized, 3 held

Hyderabad: Telangana Excise Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) has busted an inter-state synthetic drug manufacturing racket operating from Uttar Pradesh’s Agra district.

Acting on specific intelligence, the EAGLE team conducted a covert operation in Khandouli, leading to the arrest of one accused in Agra and two others in Rajasthan.

Officials seized 886 litres of chemical raw materials and equipment used in the manufacture of mephedrone, a banned synthetic stimulant. Notably, two of the arrested accused had previously worked as lecturers.

Lecturer turns Drug Manufacturer.

The prime accused, Manoj Kumar, a native of Khandouli in Agra district, is a physically challenged postgraduate in Chemistry (M.Sc., B.Ed.) who worked as a lecturer until 2025.

Investigators said he was drawn into the illegal trade by his former colleague Virendra Swamy, who allegedly promised substantial financial gains through the manufacture of synthetic drugs.

The duo initially travelled to Hyderabad last year and rented a room near Shadnagar along the national highway. They procured around 15 types of chemical substances in an attempt to manufacture MDMA, but failed in their first attempt after nearly a month of experimentation.

Operation revived in Uttar Pradesh

After the failed attempt in Hyderabad, Manoj reportedly returned to Rajasthan and joined a school as a teacher. However, Virendra Swamy and another associate, Manish, re-established contact and persuaded him to resume drug production — this time in Khandouli.

The trio began operations in Ramnagar locality, where they successfully produced 100 grams of mephedrone in their first breakthrough. Encouraged by the result, they scaled up production.

In November, they allegedly manufactured 10 kilograms of mephedrone and supplied it to contacts in Rajasthan. Manoj reportedly received ₹15 lakh as his share for the consignment.

Fake identities, GST number used

To procure raw materials, the accused allegedly used fake names, forged addresses, and a GST number linked to a Bengaluru address.

Large quantities of precursor chemicals were ordered from different states, including Delhi, Gujarat (Kutch), and Karnataka (Chitradurga district).

Investigators revealed that nearly 300 kilograms of raw materials were transported in three consignments. Police also found that the name “Girish Thapar,” used for chemical purchases, was an alias of Virendra Swamy.

Two-month covert surveillance

The case unraveled after EAGLE officials noticed suspicious bulk purchases of chemicals from a company in Kukatpally, Hyderabad. Upon questioning the supplier, investigators traced the transactions to the accused.

For nearly two months, the EAGLE team conducted discreet surveillance before identifying the Agra-based manufacturing unit. Inspector Ramesh Reddy and his team travelled to Khandouli and, with the support of local police, apprehended Manoj Kumar.

Based on inputs from Telangana EAGLE, Rajasthan Police arrested Virendra Swamy and Manish in separate operations.

Wider network under scanner

Further investigation revealed the involvement of other associates, including Shishupal and Sumit, while a person identified as Raju from Jodhpur allegedly coordinated activities and issued instructions to the group.

Police said the accused operated under false identities and frequently changed locations to evade detection. It was also found that Manish had previously run a dhaba in the Medak district of Telangana and that key members of the group often travelled to Hyderabad.

Seizures and Ongoing Probe

Police seized 886 litres of chemical substances and equipment used in drug production from the Agra facility. Officials described the crackdown as a significant blow to an emerging interstate synthetic drug network.

Authorities are now investigating the full extent of the distribution chain and possible links to other states. Further arrests are likely as the probe continues.