Industry

Major Bust: Illegal Alprazolam Factories Unearthed in Pune

Acting on credible intelligence, a team led by Mumbai Zonal Director launched a coordinated effort to investigate two Illegal Alprazolam Factories in Pune.

The Health Master

October 14, 2023

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Last Updated on October 19, 2023 by The Health Master

Alprazolam Factories

In a significant operation, the Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai has successfully dismantled two illicit Alprazolam factories in Pune, where the production of Alprazolam, a potent anti-anxiety medication, was taking place on a large scale.

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This drug, strictly regulated and available only through licensed medical outlets with a prescription, had found a clandestine market in parts of Telangana and Hyderabad, where its powdered form was being used to enhance the potency of toddy, resulting in heightened demand.

The Unearthing of Illegal Alprazolam Factories

Operation Commencement and Initial Discovery

On October 6, acting on credible intelligence, a team led by Mumbai Zonal Director, along with Deputy DG Sanjay Singh, launched a coordinated effort to investigate two Illegal Alprazolam Factories in Pune.

Along the way, near Shirur Taluka of Pune district, the team intercepted a vehicle that raised suspicion.

Upon thorough inspection, the contents revealed a peculiar powder along with laboratory equipment, prompting further inquiry.

The Shocking Revelation

Interrogating the individual in possession of the suspicious substances led the team to a nearby factory shed.

Upon examination, not one, but two clandestine laboratories were uncovered.

The first, cleverly concealed next to a poultry farm, and the other tucked away within a chikoo orchard in another part of Pune.

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Contents of the Factories

The Hidden Stash

In the first secret laboratory, a staggering 173.35 kilograms of Alprazolam was unearthed, alongside an extensive inventory of raw materials essential for its production.

The lab boasted cutting-edge equipment including reactors, generators, and dryers, indicative of a sophisticated setup.

Second Factory Raided

A second factory located in Ambegaon, Pune, was also meticulously searched.

Here, 25.95 kilograms of Alprazolam were discovered, along with a significant cache of raw materials required for its synthesis.

Strategic Locations: An Ingenious Concealment

The proximity of both factories to poultry and chikoo farms played a crucial role in their concealment.

The natural odors emanating from these farms served to mask the chemical scents, ensuring that suspicion did not arise.

Elusive and Isolated Factories

Both clandestine laboratories were strategically positioned in remote and inaccessible areas, making them challenging to approach by conventional means.

This isolation was a deliberate move to keep them hidden from the prying eyes of the general public.

The Drug Syndicate

Investigations have revealed that both illegal factories were operated by the same drug syndicate.

One individual involved in the distribution of the unlawfully produced Alprazolam was apprehended in Hyderabad, shedding light on the widespread network.

The Monetary Value of the Seizure

Approximately 200 kilograms of Alprazolam were confiscated in this operation, with an estimated value of a staggering Rs 50 crores.

The complexity of Alprazolam’s manufacturing process, necessitating a range of chemicals and a specialized industrial setup, underscores the gravity of this illicit operation.

The Pursuit of the Mastermind

While two individuals have been apprehended, the search for the mastermind behind this extensive operation is still underway, highlighting the determination of law enforcement agencies to dismantle this illicit network.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.