DRI seizes over 19 kg of psychotropic drugs from Satara, arrests Pune buyer

During the search, officials seized around one kilogram of finished Alprazolam, more than 15 kg of Alprazolam in intermediary form and about 3.75 kg of Diazepam. They also recovered nearly 400 litres of raw materials and reaction mixtures allegedly used in the manufacturing process. The agency seized all the material under the provisions of the NDPS Act.

In a follow-up operation, DRI officers arrested the intended buyer from Pune and recovered evidence that, according to investigators, pointed to a planned transaction for further trafficking of the drugs.

Alprazolam and Diazepam belong to the benzodiazepine class of medicines and are prescribed to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia and seizures under medical supervision. Because of their sedative properties and potential for dependence, the NDPS Act regulates their manufacture, possession and distribution.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused persons were involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs on previous occasions as well. Both the accused have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985,” the Finance Ministry said.

The latest action comes months after the DRI’s Operation Sahyadri Checkmate, launched in January, in which the agency dismantled a clandestine mephedrone manufacturing laboratory in the Sahyadri ranges of Satara district. In that operation, the DRI arrested five persons, including the alleged “cook” of the operation, and seized finished mephedrone and raw materials worth more than Rs 55 crore.