Telangana’s anti-narcotics unit, the EAGLE Force (Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement), has busted a major inter district Alprazolam trafficking network and arrested six people allegedly involved in procuring, financing, transporting and supplying the psychotropic drug. The operation was carried out in Macha Bolarum, Hyderabad, during a pre-dawn raid on Tuesday.
During the operation, police seized 1.189 kg of Alprazolam valued at approximately ₹25 lakh, along with ₹5.45 lakh in cash, eight mobile phones and one car allegedly used for transporting the contraband.
According to investigators, the accused were supplying Alprazolam to toddy compounds and toddy shop operators, where the drug was allegedly mixed with toddy to enhance its intoxicating effect and increase illegal profits. Officials said the accused were part of an organised criminal network that procured the substance in bulk, stored it at safe locations, and distributed it after receiving advance payments.
Police said some of those arrested are engaged in real estate and other businesses, while others own toddy compounds. Deliveries were reportedly carried out during late night and early morning hours using private vehicles and mobile phones to avoid detection.
The EAGLE Force has identified three more suspects who are currently absconding. A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act and further investigations are underway to trace the source of the drug, financial transactions and the remaining members of the trafficking network.
