Hyderabad: The Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) on Thursday raided a flat in Jeedimetla and seized 220 kilograms of ephedrine, a psychotropic substance worth ₹72 crore in international markets. Officers arrested four individuals involved in manufacturing the illegal drug.
The raid took place at Sai Datta Residency in Spring Field Colony, near Suchitra Crossroads. Acting on credible intelligence, EAGLE officers detained Vastavayi Shiva Ramakrishna Parama Varma (52), Dangeti Anil (31), Musini Dorababu (29), and Maddu Venkata Krishna Rao (45), all natives of Andhra Pradesh. However, one key accused, M. Prasad (49), remains at large.
Ephedrine racket Hyderabad: Chemist-led gang used illegal lab
Officials seized four mobile phones and confirmed the domestic value of the drugs stood at ₹10 crore. Varma, previously arrested twice by the NCB, worked as a quality chemist and initiated the scheme in December 2024. He approached Anil at PNM Life Sciences and promised large payouts in exchange for manufacturing ephedrine.
Anil then consulted the company’s directors, Venkata Krishna Rao and Prasad. After they agreed, Varma supplied the chemical formula and raw materials, including toluene, bromine, and acetone. He also transferred ₹8 lakh online to purchase additional inputs. The group followed a three-stage synthesis process. Once produced, they stored the 220 kg of ephedrine in Varma’s flat. Dorababu was tasked with finding buyers.
Since Varma had a criminal record, EAGLE had already placed him under surveillance. On October 9, officers tracked suspicious activity and conducted the raid. They arrested four suspects and confiscated the contraband. In addition, they sealed the illegal manufacturing unit at PNM Life Sciences in IDA Bollaram. Authorities revealed that the facility lacked lease documents, transaction logs, or meeting records.
Investigators explained that ephedrine can be easily converted into methamphetamine, a powerful narcotic. It causes severe side effects including anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, and long-term psychological harm.
EAGLE urges youth to resist drugs
Citing a sharp rise in drug abuse among students and young people, EAGLE issued a public warning. Officers urged parents to monitor their children’s behaviour and report suspicious activity. Citizens can call 8712671111 or use the toll-free number 1908 to assist law enforcement in keeping Hyderabad drug-free.
