Major Crackdown on Rs 1,000 Crore Codeine-Based Cough Syrup Network Across UP, Gujarat and Jharkhand

The Lucknow Zonal office launched an extensive operation early Thursday or Friday, conducting raids at 25 locations connected to a massive illegal codeine-based cough syrup network valued at approximately Rs 1,000 crore. These raids, beginning at 7.30 am, continue across multiple cities, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur, and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, as well as Ranchi and Ahmedabad.

Authorities are primarily targeting premises associated with the main suspect, Shubham Jaiswal, and his close associates Alok Singh and Amit Singh. Several cough syrup manufacturers suspected of illegally diverting their products for unauthorized trading have also fallen under investigation.

Additionally, officials are searching the residence and office of Vishnu Aggarwal, a Chartered Accountant, for potential financial connections supporting this illegal enterprise.

The Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) was filed following more than 30 FIRs registered across various Uttar Pradesh districts within the past two months. These reports highlight widespread illegal stocking, transportation, domestic distribution, and cross-border smuggling of codeine-based cough syrup—a pharmaceutical substance increasingly abused due to its high addiction potential.

Investigators estimate that illicit proceeds from this operation exceed Rs 1,000 crore, highlighting the substantial scale of this network and its sophisticated financial operations. The illegal enterprise allegedly utilized fraudulent documentation, concealed supply chains, and interstate routes to transport diverted pharmaceutical stock for unlawful profit.

The primary suspect, Shubham Jaiswal, remains at large and is believed to have fled to Dubai. His father, Bhola Prasad, has already been apprehended by Uttar Pradesh Police. Authorities have arrested 32 individuals connected to this illegal trade across the state.

Recognizing the magnitude and complexity of this case, the Uttar Pradesh Government has established a Special Investigation Team to enhance coordination between state police, financial agencies, and enforcement authorities. This multi-state operation represents one of the most comprehensive actions against illegal pharmaceutical trafficking in recent months.

New Delhi authorities continue to monitor developments as this significant enforcement action unfolds.