Telangana Pollution Control Board shutters three pharma units on Hyderabad outskirts over suspected narcotics precursor links

Hyderabad: In a sweeping crackdown on suspected illegal precursor chemical activity, Telangana Pollution Control Board, acting on inputs from Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau, has ordered the closure and power disconnection of three pharmaceutical units in and around Hyderabad. The action follows a detailed probe into the alleged manufacture and handling of chemical substances with potential links to illicit narcotics production. According to officials, the decision was taken after forensic examination, site inspections and regulatory scrutiny of their activities. Investigators alleged that one of the firms was involved in the manufacture of 3-cyclopentylpropionyl chloride, a chemical linked by agencies to the illicit synthesis of fentanyl. Another firm was found to be connected to the production of 4-methoxypropionophenone, identified as a precursor used in making substituted cathinones. At the third pharma unit, officials detected storage of acetic anhydride without mandatory approval from the narcotics department, raising serious regulatory concerns. Drug precursors are chemicals that are used in the production of drugs such as heroin, cocaine, etc..Suspicious activityThe case gathered momentum after TGANB began tracing suspicious chemical activity during raids on other unlicensed chemical and intermediate manufacturing units in Telangana. A surveillance alert had earlier been issued by the Drugs Control Administration in April 2025, flagging the manufacture of certain chemicals with high potential for diversion into banned narcotic or psychotropic substances. In letters (dated Dec 31, 2025, and Jan 8, 2026), TGNAB formally requested PCB to examine the activities of the two firms and to verify manufacturing undertaken at the third pharma unit. The bureau informed the PCB that the first firm was allegedly producing 3-cyclopentylpropionyl chloride, while the second unit was manufacturing anisole for the production of 4-methoxypropionophenone. Investigators also pointed to the absence of formal agreements, observation registers and official documentation related to products allegedly manufactured in reactors taken on lease or operated at another facility. Following these findings, the PCB ordered immediate closure of the three units and directed TSPDCL to disconnect electricity supply to prevent further activity. According to officials, the action is aimed at halting what investigators suspect may have been the use of industrial or research facilities for manufacturing precursor chemicals outside the regulatory framework, pending further investigation.