A poultry farm in Maharashtra, laboratory equipment purchased in Hyderabad, cash payments exchanged near JNTU in Kukatpally and conversations conducted through encrypted messaging applications were among the clues that helped Telangana’s EAGLE Force uncover an interstate synthetic drug manufacturing network.
The investigation, which began with the seizure of 27.2 kg of mephedrone in August, led to the discovery of a suspected clandestine drug manufacturing facility at Maregaon village in Maharashtra’s Gondia district on October 17. Police have identified 24 accused in the wider network, of whom 11 are listed as arrested or in custody, while 13 remain absconding.
According to a police complaint dated October 18, the trail of laboratory equipment purchases dates back to March 2024, when a man identifying himself as Krishna approached TVR Scientific Glass Works, a laboratory equipment supplier in Bahadurpally, Hyderabad. He sought a 200-litre reaction and distillation unit, initially quoted at ₹3.25 lakh. Following negotiations, the price was reduced to ₹2,92,500 plus GST.
An advance of ₹45,000 was paid in cash during a meeting near JNTU in Kukatpally in April 2024. The equipment was transported to Nagpur the following month, but installation was initially delayed because the buyer had not confirmed the location.
A week later, the supplier’s representatives returned to Nagpur and were taken to an agricultural field, where the equipment was installed. Further cash payments of ₹80,000, ₹84,000 and ₹50,000 were reportedly made on separate occasions. In July 2024, another order was placed for a 20-litre laboratory flask setup costing ₹84,500, which was dispatched to Nagpur through a cargo service.
Encrypted messages and Hyderabad laboratory links
Investigators subsequently examined the roles of Taneti Anand Kumar, associated with the glassware supplier, and Pabbeti Kishtaiah, who allegedly facilitated the equipment purchases.
Kishtaiah told investigators that he coordinated the transactions on behalf of Fadh Shaikh, who he identified in his statement as the son of Fayaz Ahmed Rasool Sheikh. According to his account, communications with Shaikh took place through the encrypted messaging application Signal, while WhatsApp was used to coordinate with the Hyderabad supplier. He also stated that he subsequently deleted the WhatsApp conversations and removed Signal from his mobile phone.
The investigation uncovered suspected connections to Vetukuri Labs in Kondamadugu and SM Labs in Moula Ali, Hyderabad. The Bahadurpally supplier had previously provided equipment and services to Vetukuri Labs, where its representatives reported encountering Chetan Madhukar Meshram and Kasani Srinivas during visits to recover outstanding payments.
In December 2025, Srinivas allegedly sought quotations for additional laboratory equipment, including a six-neck round-bottom flask, water bath and stirrer motor.
Fortuner seizure exposes wider network
The investigation gained momentum on August 8, when Bibi Nagar police intercepted a Toyota Fortuner travelling towards Nagpur and seized 27.2 kg of mephedrone and 56.98 kg of acetone.
Three persons, identified as Chetan Madhukar Meshram, Mujammel Hoque and Akash Ashok Gawande, were arrested. The case was subsequently transferred to EAGLE Force after investigators identified suspected links to an organised interstate drug manufacturing network.
Following further inquiries, an EAGLE Force team traced a suspected manufacturing facility to a poultry farm at Maregaon village in Maharashtra’s Gondia district on October 17. Chemical-processing apparatus and remnants of chemicals were found at the premises, prompting the Maharashtra Police to register a separate case. On the same day, EAGLE Force apprehended Jairaj Krishna Shetty, the alleged owner of JSV Globals in Vasai, Maharashtra, on suspicion of supplying propionyl chloride, a precursor chemical, to Meshram and his associates for illegal drug manufacturing.
Investigators are examining the suspected manufacture of mephedrone, alprazolam and ephedrine, along with the movement of chemicals and laboratory equipment across State boundaries. Officials said efforts were continuing to apprehend the remaining accused and trace the financial transactions, chemical suppliers and logistical arrangements supporting the suspected network.
Published – October 20, 2026 05:37 am IST
