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HYDERABAD ‘Oct 9 (PMI) In a major success against narcotics trade, the Telangana anti-narcotics wing (EAGLE), in a joint operation with the city police, busted an illegal drug manufacturing unit, seizing 220 kg of Ephedrine—a controlled psychotropic substance—valued at a staggering ₹72 crore in the international market.
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the sophisticated drug racket, while the search for a fifth accused is ongoing.
The Operation and Seizure
The raid was conducted on Wednesday at a flat in Springfield Colony, Jeedimetla, where the finished drug product was being stored. The investigation revealed that the Ephedrine was being manufactured at a clandestine facility operating under the guise of PNM Life Sciences Pvt Ltd at IDA Bollaram.
The seized consignment of 220 kg of Ephedrine is worth approximately ₹72 crore internationally. Ephedrine is a precursor chemical vital for the production of methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug, whose street value can increase tenfold once processed.
Key Accused and Their Roles
The four arrested persons were identified as:
- Vastavayi Shiva Ramakrishna Parama Varma (52): The main conspirator and a native of Kakinada. Officials stated that Varma, a repeat drug offender with previous arrests by the NCB in 2017 and 2019, provided the crucial formula for manufacturing the drug.
- Dangeti Anil (31): The production manager, who oversaw the manufacturing process.
- Musini Dorababu (29).
- Maddu Venkata Krishna Rao (45): A director of PNM Life Sciences Pvt Ltd.
The police have launched a manhunt for the fifth accused, M Prasad (49), also a director of the company, who is currently absconding.
Factory Sealed Due to Illegal Operations
The manufacturing unit at IDA Bollaram has been sealed by the authorities. Officials confirmed that the owners failed to produce valid documentation, such as lease deeds or transaction records, indicating that the facility was being illegally used for drug production. The accused utilized various industrial chemicals, including toluene, bromine, and acetone, to synthesize the banned substance.
The police emphasized that Ephedrine is a dangerous stimulant, warning that its misuse can lead to severe health issues, including anxiety, insomnia, and nausea. The case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.(pressmediaofindia.com)
