Telangana cops bust major Alprazolam manufacturing unit
Hyderabad: The Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TGNAB), along with the Gummadidala Police, arrested two persons on June 18 (Tuesday) for manufacturing and illegally selling Alprazolam, a highly addictive narcotic drug.
The following items were seized: 2.6 kilograms of Alprazolam drug, 20 kilograms of Stage 1 intermediate product, 10 kilograms of Stage 2 intermediate product, 350 liters of mixed solution, 35 kilograms of Hexamethylenetetramine, 15 liters of acetic acid, 1 barrel of ammonium carbonate, and 90 kilograms of phosphorus pentasulfide.
The police have reported the arrest of two drug manufacturers and the seizure of a manufacturing unit at Sy. No. 174/28, located on the outskirts of Kothapally village in the Gummadidala mandal of Sangareddy District. The main accused, identified as G. Anji Reddy, Kyasaram Rakesh, Prabhakar Goud, and Sai Kumar, have formed a gang and are illegally manufacturing Alprazolam. They were found selling the substance to toddy compounds for the preparation of spurious toddy.
The drug alprazolam, which can be highly addictive, is usually prescribed by doctors in small amounts for a short time. It was reportedly being given to local liquor sellers to make fake toddy. Alprazolam is considered a dangerous drug and is made using harmful chemicals in makeshift labs. Taking alprazolam for a long time can lead to tolerance, dependence, and serious health problems such as kidney, liver, or lung failure.
In the past year, five facilities involved in the manufacturing of alprazolam were uncovered. These facilities are located in Nagarkurnool DRI, Jinnaram, Cherlapally, Vijayawada, Faisalabad, and Gummadilala. Furthermore, alprazolam is being distributed from Pune, Indore, Ratlam, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu.
Sai Kumar Goud has a history of prior NDPS arrests for possession and sale of Alprazolam. In 2021, he was caught with 3 kilograms of Alprazolam by the NCB. On April 4, he was detained again for possessing 1.08 kilograms of Alprazolam.
Sai Kumar Goud and K. Rakesh previously worked in pharmaceutical labs, gaining knowledge of chemicals and manufacturing Alprazolam. They began producing Alprazolam due to high demand for its use in toddy adulteration.
The law enforcement authorities have issued a request for public cooperation in combating antisocial activities. Individuals are encouraged to share pertinent information by contacting 8712671111. This collaboration aims to collectively work towards establishing a drug-free urban environment.
The arrests were carried out under the supervision of Ch. Roopesh, IPS, SP Sangareddy, Ch. Sridhar, DSP, TGNAB, by D. Santosh Kumar, Inspector of Police, TGNAB, and TGNAB staff, along with the Gummadidala Police, Sangareddy district.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
