Telangana police bust Alprazolam lab at poultry farm; mastermind previously on bail

The Telangana-based Enforcement Against Gangsters and Land Mafia (EAGLE) Force has dismantled a clandestine laboratory allegedly manufacturing Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance, at a poultry farm near Hyderabad. Four persons have been arrested, including the alleged mastermind who was granted bail earlier this year in a related case.

The accused, identified as Malela Jaya Prakash Goud, 39, was arrested in September 2025 for manufacturing Alprazolam in a building in Bowenpally, Hyderabad. He remained in judicial custody until March 16, 2026, when he was released on conditional bail, which included appearing before the police every Monday.

Despite these conditions, investigators said Goud allegedly re-established contact with known drug offenders and began efforts to restart the manufacturing network. The probe led police to a poultry farm in Thatikonda, Mahabhubnagar district, about 125 km from Hyderabad, where Goud is said to have rented the property from Gaddagidi Balanjaneyulu, 51, who has also been arrested.

During the raid, police found 18 separate platforms, each equipped with chemical apparatus for producing Alprazolam. The operation is suspected to have begun in April, within two months of Goud's release. Police seized 1.15 kg of finished Alprazolam, valued at approximately ₹20.30 lakh, along with manufacturing equipment and chemicals.

“The operation had reportedly begun in April, within two months of his release from jail. During the raid, police seized 1.15 kg of finished Alprazolam valued at ₹20.30 lakh, along with manufacturing equipment and chemicals,” said Sandeep Shandilya, Director of the EAGLE Force.

The investigation also exposed the supply chain feeding the illegal unit. Police found that the accused had procured 2-amino-5-chlorobenzophenone, a key precursor required for Alprazolam production. The seller, identified as Mirza of Prince Scientific Pharma on Tilak Road, was arrested on July 29.

Authorities are now examining chemical suppliers and traders suspected of selling restricted chemicals without proper documentation, including without GST compliance. Investigators are also verifying whether chemicals such as 2-bromo-4-methylpropiophenone and 2-amino-5-chlorobenzene are being diverted for clandestine production of drugs including Alprazolam, MDMA and Mephedrone, or for unauthorised research activities.

“If any chemical trader is found supplying restricted chemicals to individuals involved in illegal drug manufacturing, stringent action will be taken under the NDPS Act. We are also verifying whether these chemicals are being diverted for clandestine production of narcotics or psychotropic substances,” said Rajendra Prasad, Inspector, Hyderabad Narcotic Police Station and investigating officer in both cases.

Police said Goud's latest arrest, involving commercial quantities of Alprazolam in two consecutive cases, would be strongly opposed if he seeks bail again. Investigators are also examining provisions under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against him. This special law allows for preventive detention of habitual drug offenders and major traffickers for up to one year without trial, to disrupt illegal drug trades.