ED attaches properties worth ₹4.79 crore in Alprazolam money laundering case

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Hyderabad Zonal Office, has provisionally attached immovable properties of the accused worth ₹4.79 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with an investigation into the illegal manufacture and sale of alprazolam, a psychotropic substance.

The attachment order was issued on Wednesday (February 11, 2026). The properties belong to Girmagouni Sudheer, Bishweswar Singh, Rajeshwar Sharma Joshi, Bhavanigari Prabhu Vara Goud, Gajjela Sreesailam Goud and others, and are located in various districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The ED initiated its probe based on an FIR registered at Gummadidala police station in Sangareddy district against several individuals for their alleged role in the illegal manufacture, sale and purchase of alprazolam.

According to the ED, investigations revealed that Girmagouni Sudheer had been engaged in the commission-based trade of Alprazolam since 2014 with the assistance of his brother Bhavanigari Prabhu Vara Goud and brother-in-law Gajjela Sreesailam Goud. The substance was sold to toddy vendors, who mixed it with toddy to enhance its potency.

The investigation further found that Sudheer later expanded the illegal business with the help of Bishweswar Singh. In 2023, Sudheer and Singh, in partnership with Rajeshwar Sharma Joshi, purchased Sai Priya Chemicals factory at Bacharam village in Abdullapurmet, Hyderabad, renamed it Stanchem Chemicals, and allegedly began manufacturing Alprazolam at the premises. The sale proceeds were shared among the partners in proportion to their investment in the factory.

The ED stated that the proceeds of crime generated from the illegal activity were largely received in cash. These funds were used either for direct cash purchases of immovable properties or deposited into bank accounts before being utilised for property acquisitions. Deposits were made in the accounts of the accused as well as those of their spouses, and properties were acquired in their names and in the names of their wives.

Earlier, on August 21, 2025, the ED conducted searches at seven premises linked to the case. During the searches, officials seized incriminating documents, ₹5 lakh in Indian currency, foreign currencies amounting to $834 and €1,910, one 100-gram gold bullion piece, and 17 silver bars weighing approximately 2,996.231 grams.

Further investigation into the case is underway.