NCB seized 39.47 kg of alprazolam, three arrested

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Hyderabad busted an alleged illegal manufacturing and trading network of alprazolam and seized 39,470 kg of the psychotropic substance along with ₹85,36,000 in cash during an operation conducted on Friday (May 15).

Three persons were arrested in connection with the case after officials seized two four-wheelers near Kalakunta Colony in Siddipet while an alleged illegal exchange of alprazolam was taking place.

According to NCB officials, two accused aged 48 and 30 were arrested from the spot. Searches of the vehicles and the accused led to the recovery of contraband and ₹85,36,200 in cash, suspected to be the proceeds of drug sales.

Based on findings made during interrogation, officials later arrested another accused, 49, from Madeenaguda in Hyderabad. The investigation revealed that he was allegedly the supplier of the seized substance.

Officials said the accused, a master’s degree graduate in chemistry, working as a freelance chemist, had confessed to secretly manufacturing Alprazolam in a laboratory in Hyderabad’s Prashant Nagar area.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly confessed to long-term involvement in the illegal production and trade of Alprazolam. Preliminary investigations indicated that the network had trafficked nearly 150 kg of the psychotropic substance over the past five years.

All the three accused were arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, produced before the investigating magistrate in Siddipet and sent to judicial custody. Further investigation was underway.

NCB officials appealed to citizens to share information related to narcotics trafficking through the 1933 MANAS National Narcotics Helpline to ensure the confidentiality of callers.

Published – 17 May 2026 23:08 IST