DRI Busts Rs 47 Crore Alprazolam Manufacturing Unit, Arrests Two Masterminds
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted 'Operation White Hammer,' dismantling a clandestine Alprazolam manufacturing unit. The raid led to the seizure of 237 kg of Alprazolam valued at Rs 47 crore, along with 3.5 tonnes of chemicals and industrial equipment. Two alleged masterminds, including a chemist with extensive experience, were arrested. This operation is part of DRI's broader efforts, which have seen eight such units dismantled this fiscal year, reinforcing their commitment to combating drug trafficking.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully executed 'Operation White Hammer,' an intelligence-driven operation that uncovered and dismantled a major clandestine industrial setup manufacturing Alprazolam. Operating under the guise of a legitimate chemical unit, the facility was found to be producing synthetic drugs on a large scale. Searches at the premises resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal substances, including 237 kg of Alprazolam with an estimated market value of Rs 47 crore. Furthermore, officials recovered over 800 kg of key raw materials, 2,860 litres of various chemicals, and industrial-scale equipment such as reactors, driers, and a centrifuge, all indicative of a sophisticated and organized drug manufacturing operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the illegal enterprise was allegedly orchestrated by a chemist possessing over 20 years of experience in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector. He was working in collusion with an associate who was responsible for sourcing raw materials and managing the distribution networks, primarily in Hyderabad. Both alleged masterminds have been apprehended, and further investigations are actively underway. The DRI highlighted its strong commitment to the Government's 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan,' stating that this operation brings the total number of clandestine drug manufacturing units dismantled by the agency this fiscal year to eight, underscoring their continuous efforts to safeguard society from narcotic and psychotropic substances.
