Telangana Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao has directed officials to submit a detailed report within 24 hours after Maharashtra police busted a mephedrone manufacturing unit in Cherlapally, Hyderabad.

Questioning the local department’s role, Rao asked, “What is the Telangana Excise Department doing?” He instructed officials to inspect the site immediately and take steps to prevent similar incidents. He also called for an action plan to tackle the narcotics menace, stressing strict surveillance on drug supply chains and consumption.

Following his orders, Excise officials visited the unit and are expected to submit their findings on Tuesday.

According to the Telangana Drugs Control Administration, the unit is a chemical factory with no drug license and does not qualify as a pharmaceutical company. They stated the case falls under the jurisdiction of enforcement agencies such as the police, NCB, and DRI, under the NDPS Act, 1985.

Meanwhile, BRS Working President K T Rama Rao criticized the Congress government, questioning the effectiveness of its anti-drug measures. He pointed to the failure of agencies like EAGLE, the police, and intelligence units in detecting the illegal unit operating ‘under their nose.’

The Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police in Maharashtra, who led the operation, arrested 12 people, including a Bangladeshi woman. The seized drugs and raw materials are estimated to be worth several crores. The raid followed a month-long investigation.