Inside the poultry farm which was converted as alprazolam manufacturing unit on the outskirts of Annasagar village in Boothpur, Mahabubnagar.
| Photo Credit: By Arrangement
A poultry farm on the outskirts of Hyderabad was turned into a clandestine chemical laboratory, complete with rows of platforms, round-bottom flasks and specialised equipment, by a man accused of manufacturing Alprazolam. He allegedly attempted to restart his illegal operation on a much larger scale within months of walking out on bail.
The Telangana’s EAGLE Force busted the setup and arrested four persons, including the mastermind, 39-year-old Malela Jaya Prakash Goud, who was earlier arrested in September 2025 for manufacturing Alprazolam inside Medha School in Bowenpally.
The latest setup draws parallel with the concealed lab inside a laundromat in Breaking Bad. Here the accused used the farm to conceal the activity and avoid attracting attention. The unit, located around 125 kilometres from Hyderabad, had 18 separate platforms, each fitted with chemical apparatus required for manufacturing the psychotropic substance.
Goud was arrested in the earlier case after police seized 3.30 kg of Alprazolam. He remained in judicial custody until March 16, 2026, before being granted conditional bail, with one of them being a direction to appear before police every Monday.
Malela Jaya Prakash Goud.
| Photo Credit:
By Arrangement
Police tracked his movements
However, his activities after release raised suspicion. Investigators found that he allegedly remained connected with known drug offenders and continued efforts to revive the manufacturing network. Though he claimed he was only involved in the production process in the earlier case and was unaware of the larger operations, police continued tracking his movements.
The probe led investigators to Thatikonda, Mahabhubnagar, where Goud allegedly came in contact with 51-year-old Gaddagidi Balanjaneyulu, who offered a poultry farm for rent. When the premises were inspected, police found preparations underway for a large-scale Alprazolam manufacturing unit.
“The operation had reportedly begun in April, within two months of his release from jail. During the raid, police seized 1.15 kg of finished Alprazolam valued at ₹20.30 lakh, along with manufacturing equipment and chemicals,” said the Director of EAGLE, Sandeep Shandilya.
Supply chain exposed
The investigation also exposed the chemicals supply-chain behind the illegal unit. Police found that the accused procured 2-amino-5-chlorobenzophenone, a key precursor required for Alprazolam production. The seller, Mirza of Prince Scientific Pharma on Tilak Road, was arrested on July 29.
Chemical suppliers and traders
The force is now examining chemical suppliers and traders suspected of selling restricted chemicals without proper documentation, including without GST compliance. Investigators are also verifying whether chemicals such as 2-bromo-4-methylpropiophenone and 2-amino-5-chlorobenzene are being diverted for clandestine production of drugs including Alprazolam, MDMA and Mephedrone, or for unauthorised research and laboratory activities.
“If any chemical trader is found supplying restricted chemicals to individuals involved in illegal drug manufacturing, stringent action will be taken under the NDPS Act. We are also verifying whether these chemicals are being diverted for clandestine production of narcotics or psychotropic substances,” said Rajendra Prasad, Inspector, Hyderabad Narcotic Police Station and investigating officer in both cases.
Police said Goud’s latest arrest, involving commercial quantities of Alprazolam in two consecutive cases, would be strongly opposed if he seeks bail again. Investigators are also examining provisions under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act against him. It is a special law in India that allows for the preventive detention of habitual drug offenders and major traffickers without trial for up to one year to stop illegal drug trades.
Published – July 31, 2026 11:58 am IST
