Chloral hydrate manufacturing unit busted, five arrested

Five men operating a chloral hydrate (a sedative intermediary) manufacturing unit operating in an isolated farmhouse near Chityala on the Bhainsa–Nirmal road were arrested by the State Task Force (STF) of the Telangana Excise and Prohibition Department. The officials seized 425 kilograms of chloral hydrate, along with one kilogram of alprazolam during the raid.

The accused, identified as Burra Ramesh Goud, Rama Goud, Srinivas Goud, Rajasekhar Goud, and Raju Goud, were producing chloral hydrate using chlorine sourced from the Bhiwandi area of Mumbai. They reportedly diluted it with water, froze it using makeshift ice blocks over ten days, and converted it into a narcotic-laced compound, later sold as toddy.

Investigation revealed that adulterated toddy, laced with toxic substances like chloral hydrate and alprazolam, was being distributed widely in local toddy shops, posing serious health hazards. A case has been booked and further investigation is underway.