New Delhi: In a major blow to the synthetic drugs manufacturing, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a clandestine factory located in a sparsely populated area off the Gujarat State Highway (SH) 701, in Valsad, Gujarat, The factory engaged in production of Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985.
The operation codenamed “Operation White Cauldron” resulted in the seizure of Alprazolam worth ₹22 crore and the arrest of four persons, including the masterminds, who are financiers and manufacturers, as well as the intended recipient of the drug.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers mounted discreet surveillance on the identified manufacturing facility. On 4th November 2025, a swift and coordinated raid was conducted, which led to uncovering a full-scale illegal manufacturing unit. The search resulted in the seizure of the following:
- 9.55 kg of Alprazolam (finished form)
- 104.15 kg of Alprazolam (semi-finished form)
- 431 kg of raw materials, including key chemicals such as p-Nitrochlorobenzene, Phosphorous Pentasulfide, Ethyl Acetate, and Hydrochloric Acid
- Full industrial-scale processing setup, including reactors, centrifuge, industrial refrigeration unit, and heating mantle.
The operation led to the arrest of two key persons, directly involved in the manufacturing and financing of Alprazolam, and an employee assisting them in production. The recipient of the drug, who had come from Telangana to collect it, was also apprehended, bringing the total arrests to four.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the manufactured Alprazolam was intended for supply to Telangana, potentially for mixing in Toddy. Notably, the DRI had busted a similar Alprazolam manufacturing unit in August 2025 in Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli District, Andhra Pradesh. The seized 119.4 kg of Alprazolam was also destined for Telangana for mixing with Toddy.
This year itself, the DRI has dismantled four clandestine drugs manufacturing facilities through intelligence-driven operations, underscoring its continuous vigilance, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to the Government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan by protecting citizens from the menace of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
