Date: 2025-08-18Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
In a multi-city operation, DRI officials seize 119.4 kg of Alprazolam worth Rs. 23.88 crore at a clandestine manufacturing facility in Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh; eight arrested
**Summary:**
On August 18, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a multi-city operation in Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh, resulting in the seizure of 119.4 kg of Alprazolam, valued at approximately Rs. 23.88 crore in the illicit market, along with 87.8 kg of in-process material. Eight individuals involved in the illegal manufacturing and distribution of Alprazolam were apprehended, including the mastermind, chemists, financiers, and buyers. The operation, executed by DRI officials from Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Kakinada, was initiated based on specific intelligence regarding the clandestine manufacturing of Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985. In addition to the Alprazolam, authorities seized 3,600 litres of raw materials in liquid form, 311.6 kg of raw materials in solid form, equipment (two reactors, one centrifuge, and one drier), and incriminating documents. The arrested individuals have been remanded to judicial custody. Initial interrogation revealed that the individuals formed their network while incarcerated and intended to transport the Alprazolam to Telangana for adulterating Toddy. The investigation is ongoing. This information was released by PIB Delhi (Release ID: 2157741).
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence: An Indian intelligence agency responsible for combating smuggling and tax evasion.
Alprazolam: A psychotropic substance being illegally manufactured and distributed, as per the policy text.
Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh: Location of the clandestine manufacturing facility.
NDPS Act, 1985: The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, the relevant legislation under which Alprazolam is controlled.
Telangana: The intended destination for the Alprazolam, to be used for adulterating Toddy.
Ministry of Finance: The ministry under which the operation was conducted.
Hyderabad: One of the cities from which DRI officials were involved in the operation.
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh: One of the cities from which DRI officials were involved in the operation.
Ministry of Finance
In a multi-city operation, DRI officials seize 119.4 kg
of Alprazolam worth Rs. 23.88 crore at a clandestine
manufacturing facility in Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli
District, Andhra Pradesh; eight arrested
Posted On: 18 AUG 2025 9:41PM by PIB Delhi
The officers of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence from Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and
Kakinada executed a swift and well-coordinated operation resulting in seizure of 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. The DRI officials also apprehended eight persons involved in illegal manufacturing and distribution
of Alprazolam, including the master-mind, chemists, financiers and the buyers at the same place.
After developing a specific intelligence that a few persons were clandestinely manufacturing 'Alprazolam' —
a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985 — at a facility in Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli District,
Andhra Pradesh, the DRI officials meticulously planned the operation to arrest the entire set of persons
involved in manufacturing and distribution of Alprazolam.Additionally, 3,600 litres in liquid form and 311.6 kg in solid form of illegally procured raw materials,
equipment (two reactors, one centrifuge and one drier) used for manufacturing Alprazolam and few
incriminating documents were seized to aid further investigation.
All the eight accused persons were arrested and remanded to judicial custody. It is noteworthy that most of the
arrested individuals have prior involvement in cases related to the clandestine manufacture of narcotic drugs
and psychotropic substances and other criminal activities (murder, cyber-crimes and economic offences).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.
Further investigation in the case is in progress.
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NB/KMN
(Release ID: 2157741)