Hyderabad: A series of drug busts exposing the involvement of some pharmaceutical and chemical units in and around Hyderabad have placed Telangana on the list of key narcotics supplying hotspots in the country. The ninth apex-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah, recently identified the state as a hotspot for synthetic drugs.Investigations indicate that precursor chemicals linked to drugs such as tramadol and fentanyl were routed from units around Hyderabad to the US and Poland. Ephedrine, methamphetamine, MDMA, amphetamines, diazepam, methaqualone and DMT were also linked to production or supply chains originating in the city.Authorities say that in 2025 alone, six illegal manufacturing units were busted, taking the total number of clandestine factories neutralised to 12. One of the notable seizures was at Industrial Development Area (IDA) Bollaram, where 225 kg of ephedrine was recovered.According to Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (Eagle) director Sandeep Shandilya, multiple agencies contributed to Telangana being flagged in national assessments. “After a series of pharma busts by Eagle and also two incidents of raids by police officers from other states, including Maharashtra, Telangana appeared on the list of hotspots. Some other states may not be taking action and therefore may not appear on such lists,” he said.Recent investigations by Telangana police exposed inter-state networks manufacturing and distributing synthetic drugs, often sourcing precursor chemicals through legitimate channels and online marketplaces using shell firms.Among the major cases in the past two years was a raid by Maharashtra’s Mira-Bhayandar police at a factory in the Cherlapally Navodaya industrial area in Sept 2025. The unit was part of a large inter-state network and where 5.79 kg of mephedrone, about 35,500 litres of chemicals and 950 kg of powder precursors were seized. Two accused were arrested at the factory, while a broader investigation led to 12 more arrests.In Oct 2025, Eagle busted another clandestine operation linked to a flat in Jeedimetla, with illegal manufacturing traced to a unit in IDA Bollaram. Police officials said they seized about 220 kg of ephedrine valued at around Rs 72 crore in the international market.In Nov 2024, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri police, along with the Telangana Anti-Narcotic Bureau, raided a factory at Ramajipet village and seized 120 kg of ephedrine worth about Rs 24 crore. The unit was previously sealed by the state pollution control board but was allegedly operating for bulk manufacture.The latest case emerged in March, when Eagle launched ‘Operation Bromo B2B’ in Medak district. Police said an inter-state gang was operating from a dhaba. Investigators traced supply lines to a company in Kukatpally. Seizures included 10 kg of MDMA, 20 kg of mephedrone and other materials.Shift towards synthetic drugsOfficials say several such clandestine operations were detected under the cover of chemical factories, particularly in industrial pockets such as Jinnaram, Suraram, Gummadidala, Fasalwadi and Madunur in Sangareddy district. Agencies also note a change in drug consumption patterns. Synthetic drugs are largely consumed within the Hyderabad and Cyberabad police commissionerates.
