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Uttar Pradesh codeine cough syrup racket exposes 128 FIRs and officials under probe. How deep does this illegal network go, and who’s really behind the multi-district smuggling operation?
The probe has also raised questions about the role of five assistant commissioners
Lucknow: The illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup in Uttar Pradesh has come under intense scrutiny, with authorities steadily tightening the net on the network. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) launched an investigation in Lucknow on October 10, which has now reached major organized groups involved in this illicit business.
The probe has also raised questions about the role of five assistant commissioners and several drug inspectors, creating a stir within the department and increasing the likelihood of stringent action against officials.
Cough syrup racket busted; Accused sent to 14-day police custody, big revelations ahead
Investigators found that codeine syrup, intended for medical use, was being sold as a recreational drug. The illegal network had been thriving across the state for months, with syrup being smuggled through multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh and even reaching Nepal and Bangladesh. Large seizures in districts like Varanasi, Kanpur, and Agra revealed the depth and reach of the network.
Joint operations by the FSDA and the police have been extensive. So far, 128 FIRs have been registered, many under the NDPS Act.
District-wise, the distribution is as follows: Varanasi- 38, Aligarh- 16, Kanpur- 8, Ghaziabad- 6, Maharajganj & Lucknow- 4 each, with 52 cases in other districts. These figures highlight how widespread the illegal codeine syrup network had become in Uttar Pradesh.
FSDA Secretary Roshan Jacob stated that the operation covered 279 medical establishments. Investigations revealed that several outlets were selling codeine syrup at inflated prices for recreational use, rather than for medicinal purposes. Officials also uncovered evidence of fake stock records, illegal storage, and large-scale sales without proper documentation.
Varanasi and Ghaziabad emerged as the largest centres of illegal syrup activity, with high demand fueling active syndicates. Varanasi, in particular, was used as a supply hub for surrounding districts.
Officials stressed that the crackdown is far from over, and departmental investigations into suspicious personnel are ongoing. Authorities have made it clear that no individual involved in this illicit trade will be spared.
