The West Zone Task Force on Tuesday apprehended two persons for alleged illegal possession of oxytocin, a substance which helps to increase milk yield in cattle, but can also cause cancer and hormone imbalance in humans.
Police identified the accused as Shaik Abdul Khaled (33), a businessman, and B. Suresh Kumar Gupta (65), who sells cattle feed.
In 2015, Mr. Khaled allegedly came in contact with one Mosir, who is from Uttar Pradesh, and began to buy oxytocin, a chemical which is banned for veterinary use. He learned to manufacture the substance in larger quantities. For this, he mixed water with oxytocin injections — procured from various medical shops –– phenol i.p and crystal salt. He then sold the substance to Mr. Gupta.
Despite being apprehended in 2016 by Charminar Zone drug inspector he continued to manufacture oxytocin to make a quick buck. For this, he used a similar method and packed the banned substance in 140 ml, 180 ml and 200 ml bottles and sold it those in need.
Acting on a tip off, the Task Force raided Mr. Gupta’s Banwarilal Suresh Kumar Bansal, Chunni Bhoosa Shop and apprehended him. Upon questioning, the accused spilled the beans and led police to Mr. Khaled. The duo have been handed over to drug inspectors of the Mehdipatnam and Charminar zone for further investigations.
