The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Hyderabad, busted an alleged illegal Alprazolam manufacturing and trafficking network and seized 39.470 kg of the psychotropic substance along with ₹85.36 lakh in cash during an operation carried out on Friday (May 15).

Three persons were arrested in connection with the case after officials intercepted two four-wheelers near Kalakunta Colony in Siddipet while an alleged illegal exchange of Alprazolam was underway.

According to NCB officials, two accused, aged 48 and 30, were apprehended at the spot. Searches of the vehicles and the accused led to the recovery of the contraband and ₹85,36,200 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from the sale of the drug.

Based on disclosures made during questioning, officials later apprehended another accused, 49, from Madeenaguda in Hyderabad. Investigation revealed that he was allegedly the supplier of the seized substance.

Officials said the accused, an M.Sc graduate in Chemistry, working as a freelance chemist, confessed to clandestinely manufacturing Alprazolam at a laboratory in the Prashant Nagar area of Hyderabad.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly admitted to being involved in the illegal manufacture and trafficking of Alprazolam for a prolonged period. Preliminary investigation suggested that the network had transacted nearly 150 kg of the psychotropic substance over the past five years.

All three accused were arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, produced before the remanding magistrate in Siddipet and sent to judicial custody. Further investigation was underway.

NCB officials appealed to citizens to share information related to narcotics trafficking through the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline on 1933, assuring confidentiality of callers.