Major Drug Factory Busted in Kondapalli by DRI

Officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) uncovered a major illegal drug manufacturing unit operating in the Kondapalli Industrial Area of NTR district . During the operation, conducted under the codename “Operation White Hammer,” authorities seized 237 kilograms of Alprazolam valued at nearly ₹47 crore .

Acting on credible intelligence, DRI teams carried out raids on March 11 and 12 at a rented factory in the Kondapalli IDA . Though the unit was presented as a chemical manufacturing facility for industrial use, investigators discovered that synthetic drugs were being produced on a large scale .

Searches at the premises led to the seizure of 237 kg of pure Alprazolam , along with 800 kg of raw materials and 2,860 litres of various chemicals used in the production process.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the operation was allegedly masterminded by a senior chemist with over 20 years of experience in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors . A Hyderabad-based associate is suspected to have assisted in sourcing raw materials and managing distribution.

Officials also seized advanced equipment including industrial reactors and centrifuge machines , indicating that the facility functioned as a large-scale production unit . In total, about 3.5 tonnes of chemical stock was confiscated.

The two main accused have been arrested , and investigators are now probing the wider network to identify other individuals involved and trace the supply chain of the drugs .