DRI busts Alprazolam manufacturing facility at AP’s Atchuthapuram; substance worth ₹23.88 Cr seized
During the operation, officials seized 119.4 kgs of Alprazolam in lumpy form
By Newsmeter Network
Visakhapatnam: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted an illegal Alprazolam manufacturing facility at Atchuthapuram in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh.
Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985, was to be delivered to a group of buyers at the same premises.
Based on the intelligence input, officers of DRI from Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Kakinada conducted a swift, well-coordinated operation, which led to the arrest of eight individuals engaged in the illicit production and distribution of Alprazolam. Those apprehended include the mastermind, chemists, financiers, as well as the intended buyers, all caught at the spot.
During the operation, officials seized 119.4 kgs of Alprazolam in lumpy form, valued at approximately Rs. 23.88 crore in the illicit market, in addition to 87.8 kgs of material under process, under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
Authorities also confiscated 3,600 litres of liquid raw materials and 311.6 kgs of solid chemicals, all procured illegally for the production of Alprazolam, besides the equipment used in the process, which included two reactors, a centrifuge, a drier, along with several incriminating documents, to aid the ongoing probe.
All eight accused were placed under arrest and remanded to judicial custody. Significantly, most of them have a history of involvement in earlier cases linked to the illegal manufacture of narcotic and psychotropic substances, as well as other serious criminal activities such as murder, cyber-crimes, and economic offences.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the group had conspired to carry out this unlawful venture after building their network during previous jail terms, highlighting the organized and deep-rooted nature of the syndicate. The seized Alprazolam was reportedly intended for transportation to Telangana for adulterating toddy.
Further investigation into the matter is currently underway.
