DRI Busts Illegal Psychotropic Drug Manufacturing Facility in Maharashtra, Two Arrested
Mumbai, Aug. 5 (TNT): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an illegal manufacturing facility involved in the clandestine production of psychotropic substances in Satara district of Maharashtra and seized finished and intermediary forms of drugs along with raw materials used in their manufacture.
The intelligence-led operation was carried out on August 1, 2026, during which DRI officers detected the illegal facility where Alprazolam and Diazepam, both classified as psychotropic substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, were allegedly being manufactured for illicit trafficking.
The manufacturer was apprehended during the operation.
Searches at the premises led to the recovery of around 1 kg of finished Alprazolam, more than 15 kg of Alprazolam in intermediary form, and approximately 3.75 kg of Diazepam.
DRI officials also seized around 400 litres of raw materials and reaction mixtures allegedly used in the illegal manufacturing process.
The seized substances were confiscated under provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
In a follow-up operation, DRI officers apprehended the alleged buyer from Pune and recovered evidence indicating a planned illicit transaction for further trafficking of the psychotropic substances.
Alprazolam and Diazepam are prescription medicines belonging to the benzodiazepine category and are used under medical supervision for conditions including anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, seizures and certain neurological conditions.
Due to their sedative and dependence-forming properties, their manufacture, possession and distribution are regulated under the NDPS Act.
The DRI said preliminary investigation revealed that the accused persons were allegedly involved in illegal production and trafficking of psychotropic substances on earlier occasions as well.
Both accused persons have been arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, and further investigation is underway.
TNT KS
