Two Nabbed in Nandyal For Producing Banned Drug

Kurnool: The Narcotics Control Bureau has arrested two individuals in Nandikotkur town, Nandyal district, for allegedly manufacturing the banned drug Alprazolam.

Officials said on Wednesday that their interrogation continued throughout Tuesday, from morning till late at night.

Investigations revealed that a local youth and another from Guntur were sourcing chemicals online, mixing them with white powder, and producing narcotic substances.

These mixtures were allegedly being sold for the past three months.

Alprazolam, a sleep-inducing drug banned by both the central and state governments, was reportedly being manufactured in liquid form and supplied to Telangana. Officials said an MBA student from Kurnool was also involved in arranging raw materials for the operation.

Investigators estimate that nearly 10,000kg of the drug mixture may have been sold within the last three months. Chocolates infused with the drug were also being prepared and distributed among acquaintances.

The case surfaced after narcotics officers in Gadwal, Telangana, arrested a gang selling Alprazolam. During interrogation, the accused revealed information about the manufacturing unit in Nandikotkur. NCB brought one of the arrested persons to Nandikotkur and raided the unit on Tuesday.

During the operation, two persons were taken into custody. Officials seized more than 2kg of liquid Alprazolam, estimated to be worth around `6 lakh.

A team of experts from Hyderabad arrived later in the evening to examine the seized substance and verify its composition. Further investigation was on to identify others involved in the network and trace the supply routes.

The Nandikotkur police said the case was being handled entirely by NCB.