₹50,000 land deal behind illegal drug operation unit: EAGLE | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: After EAGLE busted an illegal drug manufacturing unit allegedly run by Chetan Madhukar Meshram at Maregaon village in Nagpur, Maharashtra, a few days ago, officials uncovered details of the operation. They found that the accused had paid ₹50,000 to a landowner for the use of agricultural land to manufacture alprazolam, ephedrine and other drugs worth crores of rupees.The landowner said the 2.24-hectare property in Maregaon had remained uncultivated after he stopped farming during the Covid-19 pandemic. Later, an agriculturist named Dinesh leased the land in 2022-23 and cultivated it for a year. However, he declined to continue after suffering losses. A few months later, the same agriculturist introduced Chetan to the landowner, claiming that the latter was interested in leasing the uncultivated land for a year. The landowner agreed to lease out the property for ₹50,000.“The land was suitable for the accused as it had a few rooms within the premises and was surrounded by a compound wall. The landowner claimed that the accused used the leased property for only three or four months. During that period, Chetan’s associates stayed indoors and kept the rooms locked while carrying out their work. Subsequently, none of the associates were seen,” an EAGLE official told TOI.After the lease period ended, the landowner contacted Chetan, who expressed interest in extending it for another year. A few days ago, when EAGLE sleuths and Maharashtra Police conducted searches in the presence of the landowner, various chemicals and equipment were found on the premises.The landowner, who claimed to be unaware of the alleged misuse of his property, gave a statement to the Malkajgiri police a few days ago.EAGLE sleuths traced the illegal drug manufacturing unit based on statements given by Chetan and a few others who assisted in setting up the plant in Maregaon. The accused were allegedly operating illegal drug manufacturing units in Bibinagar, Maregaon and a few other locations with the assistance of associates from across the country.