Operation White Hammer: Unmasking an Illegal Alprazolam Empire

Officials seized 237 kg of Alprazolam worth Rs 47 crore and over 3.5 tonnes of chemicals from an illegal factory in Andhra Pradesh. Two arrests were made. The operation revealed a large industrial setup pretending to be a chemical unit. DRI dismantled eight such units this financial year.

In a major breakthrough, DRI officials seized 237 kilograms of Alprazolam, valued at Rs 47 crore, along with over 3.5 tonnes of chemicals from an illegal factory in Andhra Pradesh. The raid resulted in the arrest of two individuals, as confirmed by the finance ministry on Friday.

The operation, codenamed 'Operation White Hammer,' was conducted on March 11 and 12. It uncovered a sophisticated industrial setup for the production of Alprazolam, operating under the pretense of a legitimate chemical manufacturing unit. This discovery underscores the scale of organized illegal drug production in the region.

The searches led to the seizure of significant raw materials, chemicals, and industrial-scale equipment, revealing the clandestine nature of the operation. According to the ministry, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a total of eight clandestine drug manufacturing units during the current financial year.

(With inputs from agencies.)