Telangana's Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Force has said it busted an alleged inter-state network involved in the illegal manufacture and supply of synthetic drugs, uncovering a suspected clandestine manufacturing facility at Maregaon village in Maharashtra's Gondia district. According to an official release issued on Monday, October 20, investigators have identified 24 accused in the wider network, of whom 11 are arrested or in custody and 13 are absconding.

The case began on August 8, 2026, when Bibi Nagar Police intercepted a white SUV travelling from Kondamadugu towards Nagpur and seized 27.2 kg of mephedrone and 56.98 kg of acetone, apprehending three persons identified as Chetan Madhukar Meshram, Mujammel Hoque and Akash Ashok Gawande. A case was registered at Bibi Nagar Police Station under Sections 8(c) read with 21(c), 25 and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, and the investigation was later transferred to the EAGLE Force because of its inter-state ramifications, officials said.

On October 17, an EAGLE Force team identified the suspected facility at a poultry farm in Survey No. 92/2, Maregaon village, Tiroda taluk, Gondia district, where chemical-processing apparatus and remnants of chemicals were reportedly found. Tiroda Police were informed and Maharashtra Police registered a separate case, according to the release. On the same day, the force apprehended Jairaj Krishna Shetty, described as the alleged owner of JSV Globals in Vasai, Maharashtra, who investigators allege supplied propionyl chloride, a precursor chemical, to Meshram and his associates. The allegation has not been proven in court.

Investigators said they also examined alleged links to facilities at Vetukuri Labs in Kondamadugu, Telangana, and SM Labs in Moula Ali, Hyderabad, and the alleged procurement and diversion of precursor chemicals and specialised laboratory equipment. The investigation is examining the alleged manufacture of mephedrone, alprazolam and ephedrine and the movement of chemicals across Telangana, Maharashtra and other states. All named persons are accused only; the allegations remain subject to investigation and trial.

Sources: EAGLE Force official release, reported by ANI syndication (Indian Economic Observer, APNA MA TV, Khelja) on October 20, 2026; detailed investigation reporting by Rise Celestial Studios and 24x7 Live News.