Telangana gang buys chemical factory, runs drug unit for 10 years, arrested

The gang had purchased a chemical factory on the outskirts of Hyderabad, installed machinery to produce Alprazolam, and distributed the prohibited substance in various areas of Telangana.

In Short

• Gang involved in illicit trade since 2014 in Telangana
• Set up a factory near Hyderabad to produce drugs
• Police arrested 6, seized drugs, cars, and other assets

Telangana police have busted a major drug manufacturing racket involved in the production and sale of Alprazolam, a prohibited substance. The police have seized a significant amount of contraband and identified assets worth Rs 60 crore in their possession.

The massive drug network came to light after police officials in Sangareddy district detained a 47-year-old real estate businessman, Girma Gouni Sudhir Goud, who was later identified as the prime accused. Goud was intercepted and caught by the police on Friday while transporting Alprazolam in his car. He confessed to his role in the drug operation when questioned.

According to Superintendent of Police Chennuri Rupesh, Sudhir Goud and his associates have been involved in the illicit Alprazolam trade since 2014. Initially, the group sold adulterated liquor mixed with the drug, but in 2023, they set up their own manufacturing unit.

The gang had purchased a chemical factory on the outskirts of Hyderabad and installed machinery to produce Alprazolam. Each batch of Alprazolam produced was approximately 50 kg, and the group sold the drug for Rs 4 lakh per kg in districts like Hyderabad, Sangareddy, Medak, Siddipet, and Kamareddy, police said.

Along with the mastermind Sudhir Goud, the police arrested five accused: Girma Gouni Srivani (38), a homemaker and wife of Sudhir Goud; Bisweshwar Singh (43), a businessman from Odisha; Rajeshwar Sharma Joshi (41), a priest; and Boda Shashi Kumar (30), a driver.

The police seized 740 grams of Alprazolam, three cars, six mobile phones, and other incriminating materials. They also identified assets worth Rs 60 crore belonging to the accused.

Nine others involved in the racket, including Sudhir Goud's associates Vishal Goud, Sai Goud, and others, remain at large. Efforts are underway to apprehend them.