Major Drug Bust in Hyderabad: Rs 72 Crore Worth of Ephedrine Seized by EAGLE, Four Arrested in Methamphetamine Precursor Operation

The illegal manufacture of Ephedrine was traced to a chemical company. (Representational)

Telangana's anti-narcotics bureau Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) successfully dismantled a significant drug manufacturing operation in Hyderabad, confiscating 220 kg of Ephedrine valued at approximately Rs 72 crore.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four principal suspects, while one individual remains fugitive.

Based on reliable intelligence, EAGLE teams conducted a raid at a flat in Sai Datta Residency located in Springfield Colony, Jeedimetla, where the suspects had assembled to complete a transaction. The authorities seized four mobile phones that were utilized in the illegal operations.

The four arrested individuals have been identified as Vastavayi Shiva Ramakrishna Parama Varma (52), Dangeti Anil (31), Musini Dorababu (29), and Maddu Venkata Krishna Rao (45). Law enforcement is currently pursuing a fifth suspect known as Prasad.

Investigations have identified Shiva Ramakrishna as the primary orchestrator of the operation. Records indicate he was previously apprehended by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in 2017 and 2019.

The unauthorized production of Ephedrine was linked to PNM Life Sciences, a chemical manufacturing facility situated in the Industrial Development Area (IDA) Bollaram. This facility is owned by co-accused Venkata Krishna Rao and Prasad.

Officials have confirmed that the factory has been sealed as it was functioning without proper documentation or necessary permits.

EAGLE officials emphasized the significant danger posed by Ephedrine, noting that it serves as a crucial precursor chemical in the production of Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as 'Meth' or 'Ice'. It is categorized as a highly addictive substance known to cause serious adverse effects including anxiety, insomnia, and dramatic weight loss.