Classes by Day, Drug Factory A Night: Alprazolam Racket Busted in Hyderabad School
Hyderabad, Sept 14 (Maxim News): In a shocking revelation, a school meant to shape the future of children was being misused as a base for illegal drug production. Authorities uncovered that Alprazolam, a banned psychotropic drug, was being manufactured at night inside the premises of a private school in Old Bowenpally, Secunderabad, while regular classes were being conducted during the day.
Based on a tip-off, the EAGLE (Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement) team kept surveillance on Medha High School, run by correspondent Mallela Jayaprakash Goud. On Saturday afternoon, Goud was caught red-handed while attempting to sell 3.5 kg of Alprazolam to customers. Officials immediately arrested him.
A subsequent raid on the school premises led to the recovery of drug-manufacturing equipment hidden in two classrooms. The police also seized 4.3 kg of Alprazolam in preparation stage, along with ₹20 lakh in cash. Two accomplices—Gaute Murali Sai of Old Bowenpally and Pentanol Uday Sai of Hasmathpet—were also arrested. Authorities estimate the total value of the seized contraband at ₹50 lakh in the open market.
Investigations revealed that Jayaprakash, a B.Tech dropout who has been running the school for nine years, began manufacturing Alprazolam after initially sourcing it from others. He reportedly supplied the drug to toddy shops in Mahabubnagar and Wanaparthy districts. After learning the preparation process, he started producing it himself inside the school.
School Rooms Turned into Secret Drug Labs
To avoid suspicion, he converted two large rooms into makeshift drug labs. While classes went on during the day, the rooms were locked. After students and staff left, he would use the space to manufacture the drug, often assisted by his aides.
Officials suspect that the racket had been operating for at least six months. Investigations are underway to determine whether the network extends beyond Telangana and whether Alprazolam manufactured here was being supplied to other states. Authorities are also probing if more individuals are involved in the operation.
The bust has raised serious concerns about how an educational institution was misused for drug production without the knowledge of staff or parents. Police have assured that a deeper probe will be conducted to expose the full extent of the racket. (Maxim News)
