EAGLE flags leasing of chemical reactors for manufacturing illicit drugs in Telangana

EAGLE Force Director Sandeep Shandilya and included representatives of TG SAFE’s Drugs Wing, Telangana PCB Department of Factories, Prohibition and Excise Department, and police units from Hyderabad and commissionerate during the meeting.  | Photo Credit: By Arrangement

The illegal leasing of reactors and other infrastructure at chemical manufacturing units has emerged as a route for clandestine production of synthetic drugs in Telangana, prompting enforcement agencies to tighten scrutiny of pharmaceutical and chemical units across the State.

The EAGLE Force on Monday said investigations into earlier drug seizures had found instances where reactors were leased for unauthorised activities. These included Vetukuri Labs at Kondamadugu village in Bibinagar, where illicit manufacture of mephedrone was detected, and SM Labs at Moulali, where law enforcement agencies detected illicit synthesis of alprazolam.

The issue figured prominently at a high-level coordination meeting convened by the EAGLE Force at its headquarters in Banjara Hills on October 5. Officials from drug control, pollution control, factories, Excise and police departments participated.

Authorities have decided to treat the illegal renting or leasing of chemical reactors and manufacturing infrastructure to unauthorised persons or entities as a serious red flag and warned of stringent action against units involved in such practices.