- Mumbai Crime Branch uncovers Large Narcotics Operation in Medchal
Article Today, Hyderabad:
Hyderabad has once again come under the spotlight for its role in the illegal drug trade. In a joint operation, the Mumbai Crime Branch seized narcotics worth nearly Rs. 12,000 crore from a facility in Medchal. The cache included synthetic drugs such as ecstasy, molly, and MDMA, along with 32,000 litres of precursor chemicals. Thirteen people were arrested during the raids, and investigations revealed that the drugs were being transported both within India and abroad.
Link to Previous Pharma Scandal
The development follows closely on the heels of the Vasudha Pharma Chem controversy. The company was accused of supplying precursor chemicals used in fentanyl production, which led to hundreds of deaths in the United States. Earlier this year, U.S. federal agencies arrested the company’s CEO and marketing directors in New York. The case also drew attention after company director M. V. Surya Nagavara Prasada Raju died by suicide in Hyderabad, raising further questions.
History of Drug-Linked Violations
This is not the first time pharmaceutical companies in Hyderabad have been linked to illicit drug activities. In 2017, a city-based firm exported precursor chemicals for cocaine and heroin production to Mexico, leading to arrests by Indian enforcement agencies. In 2020, another local company was found supplying methamphetamine precursors to several Asian countries. Despite repeated incidents, regulatory action has often been delayed or inconsistent.
Concerns for Hyderabad’s Image
Hyderabad is home to over 800 pharmaceutical companies, including globally recognised firms such as Dr. Reddy’s, Hetero, and Aurobindo. However, the involvement of smaller operators in illegal trade has raised doubts about the industry as a whole. Experts warn that the city’s reputation as a global pharma hub is at risk if the authorities fail to curb such activities.
Call for Stronger Oversight
The recent seizure has sparked demands for stricter regulation and enforcement. Officials acknowledge that lapses in monitoring have allowed certain firms to misuse the city’s pharma infrastructure for illegal operations. Unless stronger oversight is introduced, observers fear Hyderabad may increasingly be seen as a hub for narcotics, undermining its legitimate pharmaceutical achievements.
