In a major operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a large-scale operation involved in the illegal manufacture and distribution of Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance, in Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. The operation resulted in the seizure of 119.4 kg of Alprazolam, worth approximately ₹23.88 crore in the illicit market. Along with this, DRI also confiscated 87.8 kg of in-process material and over 3,600 litres of liquid raw material, further highlighting the scale of the illicit drug trade. Eight people, including the mastermind and key players in the operation, have been arrested in connection with the bust.

Key highlights

Massive drug seizure

• Over 119.4 kg of Alprazolam tablets in lumpy form, valued at ₹23.88 crore, were seized.

• 87.8 kg of in-process material was also recovered from the site.

• The operation seized 3,600 litres of liquid raw materials used in manufacturing the drug.

• Critical manufacturing equipment, including two reactors, one centrifuge, and a drier, were seized as part of the raid.

Coordinated crackdown by DRI units

• The operation was executed by DRI teams from Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Kakinada.

• A tip-off led to the successful interception of a major narcotics ring.

• The arrested individuals, with criminal backgrounds, are currently under judicial custody.

Syndicate and network operations

• The arrested individuals were involved in a transnational drug trafficking operation that had been operating under the radar.

• Some of the accused had prior involvement in various crimes, including narcotics distribution, cybercrimes, and economic offenses.

• The syndicate had reportedly planned to distribute the Alprazolam in Telangana, where it was intended to adulterate toddy.

The bust reveals the scale and complexity of the illegal pharmaceutical trade in India. With Alprazolam and other psychotropic drugs being misused for illicit activities, this operation demonstrates the importance of effective surveillance and enforcement. The arrests and seizures are a significant step in dismantling these dangerous networks and preventing the circulation of counterfeit drugs that pose a severe risk to public health. The investigation is ongoing as authorities aim to uncover more members of the network and curb the spread of harmful drugs.