Enforcement agencies in Telangana are intensifying their oversight of chemical and pharmaceutical facilities due to concerns over the illegal leasing of reactors and infrastructure for the clandestine production of synthetic drugs. Investigations have revealed instances where leased equipment was used for unauthorized activities, including the illicit manufacture of mephedrone and alprazolam at specific laboratories.
Authorities have designated the illegal renting or leasing of chemical reactors and manufacturing infrastructure to unauthorized entities as a significant red flag, warning of strict penalties for non-compliant units. This heightened scrutiny is extending beyond traditional industrial sites, as clandestine synthetic drug manufacturing has also been discovered in unconventional locations such as poultry farms and abandoned houses.
To combat this issue, officials are planning to enhance data sharing among various departments concerning chemical units, laboratories, and research centers. Manufacturers will also receive guidance on adhering to a voluntary code of conduct, focusing on identifying suspicious transactions and red flags related to precursor chemicals. Furthermore, scrutiny will encompass businesses supplying laboratory equipment and logistics companies to prevent the diversion of materials and misuse of transport networks for illicit drug production.
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Source: thehindu.com
