DRI busts illegal Alprazolam unit in AP, seizes drugs worth over Rs 23 crore

Drugs and materials seized in DRI raid.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing unit in Atchutapuram, Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh.

During the raid, officials seized 119.4 kg Alprazolam in lumpy form, valued at approximately Rs. 23.88 crore in the illicit market, along with 87.8 kg in-process material, according to a press release by PIB.

Teams from DRI units in Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Kakinada carried out the operation after receiving intelligence about the clandestine unit.

The raid led to the seizure of Alprazolam. Officials also confiscated 3,600 litres of liquid chemicals, 311.6 kg of solid raw material, and equipment such as reactors, a centrifuge, and a drier.

Eight people, including the mastermind, chemists, financiers, and buyers, were arrested on the spot. All of them were remanded to judicial custody.

Investigators revealed that many of the accused had previous involvement in drug manufacturing and other crimes such as murder, cyber offences, and financial fraud.

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 Toddy.

Meanwhile, in another major crackdown just two weeks earlier, Anakapalli police seized 370 kg of drugs worth nearly Rs 1 crore during a vehicle check at Rachapalli Junction. Acting on a tip-off, police intercepted three vehicles and recovered 15 gunny bags of cannabis.

Four suspects were arrested, while a few managed to escape, India Today reported.