DRI Busts Illegal Drug Manufacturing Unit in Maharashtra

• DRI uncovers illegal psychotropic drug manufacturing unit in Satara.
• Two accused arrested, including the manufacturer and intended buyer.
• Over 19 kg of Alprazolam and Diazepam seized along with 400 litres of raw materials.
• Investigation indicates previous involvement in illegal drug trafficking.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 5th Aug: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an illegal drug manufacturing unit in Maharashtra’s Satara district, seizing large quantities of psychotropic substances and arresting two persons involved in the operation.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the intelligence-led operation was carried out on August 1, during which DRI officers uncovered a clandestine facility manufacturing Alprazolam and Diazepam, both regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Searches at the premises led to the seizure of around 1 kg of finished Alprazolam, more than 15 kg of Alprazolam in intermediary form and approximately 3.75 kg of Diazepam. Officials also recovered nearly 400 litres of raw materials and reaction mixtures used in the illegal manufacturing process.

The manufacturer was apprehended from the site, while a follow-up operation led to the arrest of the intended buyer from Pune. Investigators said evidence recovered during the operation indicated the drugs were meant for further illicit trafficking.

The DRI said preliminary investigations suggest the accused were involved in illegal drug production and trafficking on earlier occasions as well. Both have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Alprazolam and Diazepam are prescription medicines used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures and other neurological conditions. Authorities said their illegal manufacture and diversion pose serious public health risks due to their addictive and dependence-forming nature.