HYDERABAD : Telangana’s anti-narcotics bureau Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) busted a major drug manufacturing operation in Hyderabad and seized 220 kg of Ephedrine worth Rs 72 crore. Four four key suspects have been arrested, while one remains at large.
This is said to be one of the biggest drug hauls in recent months, the state anti-narcotics wing, Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE), raided a flat in Jeedimetla and arrested four persons involved in manufacturing ephedrine. Officials seized 220 kg of the drug, valued at around Rs 10 crore in the domestic market and Rs 72 crore internationally. The unit where the drug was produced, PNM Life Sciences at IDA Bollaram, has also been sealed.
Acting on credible intelligence, EAGLE teams raided a flat in Sai Datta Residency, Springfield Colony, Jeedimetla, where the accused had gathered to finalise a deal. The team confiscated four mobile phones used in the illicit activity.
The accused have been identified as Vastavayi Shiva Ramakrishna Parama Varma (52), Dangeti Anil (31), Musini Dorababu (29) and Maddu Venkata Krishna Rao (45). Another person, M Prasad (49), is absconding. All are natives of different districts in Andhra Pradesh.
Investigations point to Shiva Ramakrishna as the main architect of the racket. He had been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in 2017 and 2019.
The illegal manufacture of Ephedrine was traced back to PNM Life Sciences, a chemical company located in the Industrial Development Area (IDA) Bollaram. The company is owned by the co-accused Venkata Krishna Rao and Prasad.
Officials confirmed that the factory has been sealed because it was operating without valid records or necessary documentation.
EAGLE officials highlighted the severe threat posed by the seized chemical, Ephedrine, and said it is a critical precursor chemical for Methamphetamine, often known as ‘Meth’ or ‘Ice’. It is classified as a highly addictive substance, known for serious side effects including anxiety, insomnia, and rapid weight loss.
