Hyderabad pharma units linked to rising drug network
HYDERABAD: A series of drug busts has exposed the involvement of pharmaceutical and chemical units around Hyderabad. Investigators say these networks have placed Telangana among the country’s key narcotics supply hotspots.
The ninth apex-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah, recently identified the state as a major hub for synthetic drugs.
Investigators found that units around Hyderabad routed precursor chemicals linked to drugs such as tramadol and fentanyl to the United States and Poland.
Officials also linked substances like ephedrine, methamphetamine, MDMA, amphetamines, diazepam, methaqualone and DMT to supply chains originating in the city.
Illegal factories busted
Authorities busted six illegal manufacturing units in 2025 alone. This raised the total number of clandestine factories neutralised in the state to 12.
One major seizure took place at Industrial Development Area (IDA) Bollaram. Officials recovered 225 kg of ephedrine during the raid.
Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (Eagle) director Sandeep Shandilya said several agencies helped uncover the network.
“After a series of pharma busts by Eagle and raids by police from other states, including Maharashtra, Telangana appeared on the hotspot list,” he said.
He added that some states may not appear on such lists because they take fewer enforcement actions.
Inter-state drug networks uncovered
Recent investigations by Telangana police exposed inter-state networks involved in manufacturing and distributing synthetic drugs.
Officials said the accused often sourced precursor chemicals through legitimate channels. They also used online marketplaces and shell companies to hide transactions.
In September 2025, police from Maharashtra’s Mira-Bhayandar raided a factory in the Cherlapally Navodaya industrial area. Officers seized 5.79 kg of mephedrone, about 35,500 litres of chemicals, and 950 kg of powder precursors.
Police arrested two suspects at the factory. Later investigations led to 12 more arrests linked to the network.
Major seizures in recent raids
In October 2025, Eagle uncovered another clandestine operation linked to a flat in Jeedimetla. Investigators traced the illegal production to a unit in IDA Bollaram.
Officials seized about 220 kg of ephedrine, valued at nearly ₹72 crore in the international market.
In November 2024, police in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district and the Telangana Anti-Narcotic Bureau raided a factory in Ramajipet village. Officers seized 120 kg of ephedrine worth about ₹24 crore.
Authorities had earlier sealed the unit over pollution violations. However, the operators allegedly continued bulk production.
Operations across industrial belts
The latest case surfaced in March when Eagle launched “Operation Bromo B2B” in Medak district.
Police said an inter-state gang operated from a dhaba. Investigators traced supply links to a company in Kukatpally.
During the operation, officers seized 10 kg of MDMA and 20 kg of mephedrone, along with other materials.
Officials said many clandestine drug operations function under the cover of chemical factories. Investigators have detected such units in industrial areas like Jinnaram, Suraram, Gummadidala, Fasalwadi and Madunur in Sangareddy district.
Shift in drug consumption
Enforcement agencies also noticed a shift in consumption patterns.
Officials say synthetic drugs are now largely consumed within the Hyderabad and Cyberabad police commissionerates.
