DRI Busts Illegal Alprazolam Factory in Andhra
Operation “White Hammer” uncovers clandestine drug unit; 237 kg narcotics and chemicals seized, two arrested
- DRI dismantles illegal Alprazolam manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh
- 237 kg of drugs worth ₹47 crore seized during Operation “White Hammer”
- Over 3.5 tonnes of chemicals and industrial equipment recovered
- Two accused arrested for running clandestine drug operation
GG News Bureau
Kondapalli, 13th March: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a clandestine manufacturing facility producing the psychotropic drug Alprazolam in Kondapalli Industrial Development Area of NTR district in Andhra Pradesh, seizing narcotics worth ₹47 crore and arresting two accused.
The intelligence-based operation, codenamed “Operation White Hammer,” was carried out on March 11 and 12, 2026, uncovering a large-scale illegal drug manufacturing unit operating under the cover of a chemical production facility.
During searches at the premises, officials seized 237 kg of Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Authorities also recovered over 800 kg of raw materials and around 2,860 litres of chemicals, along with industrial equipment including reactors, dryers and a centrifuge.
Investigators said the facility functioned as a fully operational industrial setup designed for the large-scale production of synthetic drugs.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the operation was allegedly orchestrated by a chemist with more than two decades of experience in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector, who worked in collusion with an associate responsible for procuring raw materials and managing distribution networks in Hyderabad.
The accused had reportedly rented the factory premises to carry out the clandestine manufacturing of Alprazolam. Both suspects have been arrested and further investigation is underway.
Officials said the bust is part of ongoing enforcement efforts against illegal drug manufacturing networks. During the current financial year, the DRI has dismantled eight clandestine drug manufacturing units through intelligence-led operations.
The agency said the crackdown aligns with the government’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan”, aimed at combating drug trafficking and protecting society from the threat posed by narcotic and psychotropic substances.
