Eagle team busts Alprazolam manufacturing unit, three held

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

In a major crackdown, the Telangana Police’s Eagle team raided an illegal Alprazolam manufacturing unit operating inside a defunct school in Bowenpally on Saturday. The operation resulted in the seizure of 7 kg of Alprazolam and Rs 20 lakh in cash.

The drug lab was found spread across the principal’s office and two classrooms. Alprazolam, a prescription drug used to treat anxiety, is often misused for its euphoric effects. Acting on a tip-off, police arrested three persons Malela Jaya Prakash Goud (39), the alleged mastermind from Old Bowenpally, and two 23-year-olds, Goute Murali from Hasmathpet and Uday.

Investigators said Goud had converted the abandoned school into a full-fledged drug lab, operating by day and conducting tuition classes in the evening to avoid suspicion. Equipment seized included four reactors and various chemicals used in the drug’s production.

The network reportedly extended beyond Hyderabad, with supply links to Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.

Authorities are now probing the role of the former school principal and others involved. Police also warned of the dangers of misusing prescription drugs like Alprazolam when obtained illegally, citing serious public health risks.