How Did a School in Hyderabad Become a Drug Manufacturing Hub?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Medha High School was used as a front for drug manufacturing.
- EAGLE seized significant quantities of Alprazolam and cash.
- Three individuals, including the mastermind Goud, were arrested.
- The operation had been ongoing for about a year.
- Mixing narcotics with traditional drinks poses serious health risks.
Hyderabad, Sep 14 (NationPress) The Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) in Telangana has been investigating the shocking transformation of a private school in Secunderabad into a narcotics production facility. Reports indicate that Medha High School, located in the Bowenpally area, was allegedly involved in the illicit manufacture of Alprazolam, according to EAGLE officials.
During a raid conducted on Saturday, EAGLE agents confiscated 3.5 kg of Alprazolam, 4.3 kg of semi-finished product, Rs. 21 lakh in cash, significant amounts of raw materials, and manufacturing equipment.
Authorities believe the seized cash represents earnings from just two days of drug sales.
Three individuals were apprehended, including the alleged mastermind, Malela Jaya Prakash Goud, 39, who is also the director of Medha High School and a resident of Mahabubnagar.
Goud was operating a school designed to educate children up to Class 7, with approximately 130 students enrolled. Investigators discovered that the school served merely as a facade to divert suspicion.
While classrooms are located in the cellar of the building, the ground floor hosts a bank, and part of the first floor is utilized for educational purposes.
Goud, who previously managed a toddy shop in Mahabubnagar, was introduced to the production of Alprazolam by an associate named Guruva Reddy.
He established a manufacturing site in the rear section of the building and began distributing narcotics to nearby toddy depots in Boothpur and surrounding areas, where the drug was mixed with toddy.
Additionally, Goud reportedly paid Rs. 2 lakh to Guruva Reddy for the formulation for manufacturing.
Authorities indicate that Goud received assistance from his employees in executing the unlawful operations.
P. Uday Sai, 23, a driver, and G. Murali Sai, a transporter, were also arrested alongside Goud.
The illicit drug facility had reportedly been operational for about a year.
Based on reliable intelligence, EAGLE conducted the raid, arrested the suspects, and secured crucial evidence.
Officials from EAGLE are interrogating the suspects to uncover and apprehend additional individuals involved in the drug network, with ongoing efforts to identify the suppliers of chemicals to Goud.
Alprazolam and other potent sedatives are frequently mixed with toddy to enhance its effects. Alarmingly, Alprazolam was detected in samples of adulterated toddy, which resulted in the tragic deaths of nine individuals and left over 50 more sick in the Kukatpally area of Hyderabad in July.