The Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) seized 220 kilograms of Ephedrine (a psychotropic substance).
The Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) raided a flat at Sai Datta Residency, Spring Field Colony, near Suchitra Crossroads, Jeedimetla, and arrested four drug manufacturers, seizing 220 kilograms of Ephedrine (a psychotropic substance) worth Rs 72 crore, and four mobile phones.
According to EAGLE, the accused include Vastavayi Shiva Ramakrishna Parama Varma (52) and Dangeti Anil (31), both from Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh; Musini Dorababu (29) from East Godavari; and Maddu Venkata Krishna Rao (45) from Tirupati. Another accused, M Prasad (49) from Sullurupeta, Tirupati district, is absconding. Shiva Ramakrishna previously worked as a quality chemist at SIRIS Limited and had two prior arrests by the NCB for possession of banned drugs.
In December 2024, Varma approached Anil at PNM Life Sciences to manufacture Ephedrine, offering substantial compensation. Anil consulted company directors Venkata Krishna Rao and Prasad, who agreed. Varma supplied a chemical formula and the raw materials (Toluene, Bromine and Acetone), and transferred Rs 8 lakh online for additional chemicals (Sodium Hydroxide, Hydrochloric Acid, Acetic Acid and Sodium Borohydride). After a three-stage chemical process, Anil synthesized 220 kg of Ephedrine, and it was stored at Varma's flat.
The group sought buyers through Dorababu, a friend of Anil. EAGLE, monitoring Varma due to his past record, identified suspicious activity and raided the premises on October 9, arresting four and seizing the contraband.
The seized Ephedrine is valued at Rs 10 crore in India and Rs 70 crore internationally. The manufacturing unit, PNM Life Sciences, IDA Bollaram, has been seized.
EAGLE said that many youths and students had become addicted to drugs, and were engaging in crimes and other anti-social activities to fund the addiction, affecting their families. The agency urged the youth not to fall prey to drugs, and requested parents to monitor their children and report suspicious activity to the police via 8712671111 or the toll-free number 1908 to help create a drug-free city.