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The Uttar Pradesh cough syrup scam revealed a major codeine trafficking network reaching neighboring states and Bangladesh. STF and ED are probing political links, fraudulent firms, and officials’ complicity in this dangerous narcotics operation.
STF and ED Probe Illegal International Trafficking
The Uncovering and Spread of the Scandal
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh cough syrup scandal shook the entire nation. This case involved a dangerous drug trade involving the illegal trade of codeine-laced cough syrup.
Warehouses were set up in Ghaziabad and Varanasi, from which this cough syrup was being supplied not only to Uttar Pradesh but also to Jharkhand, West Bengal, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
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This entire illegal trade was uncovered on October 18 in Sonbhadra district when cough syrup laced with codeine worth crores of rupees was recovered in packets of chips and namkeen. Police arrested three people at the time.
Later, on November 4, a large quantity of cough syrup was also seized in Ghaziabad. The investigation revealed that these cases were linked to Shubham Jaiswal of Varanasi.
The investigation revealed that many of the firms to which the cough syrup was supplied existed only on paper. The role of Food Safety and Drug Administration officials was also found to be suspicious. Through their connivance, these firms obtained licenses and protected the illegal trade.
UP Cough Syrup Scam
On November 27, the Lucknow STF arrested Amit Singh Tata. Amit Tata is a close associate of Shubham Jaiswal and was found to be involved in illegal activities. Amit Tata also had links with former MP and strongman Dhananjay Singh. On the same day, a case was filed against 12 other firms in Varanasi.
ED officials are investigating strongmen and former MPs who provided political patronage to Shubham Jaiswal. Preliminary investigations revealed that Shubham also paid protection money to a strongman. Financial connections through transactions and companies are also being investigated.
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The STF and ED are now gathering evidence of smuggling in various states and countries involved in this scandal. The role of Food Safety and Drug Administration officials who issued licenses to illegal firms is also being thoroughly investigated.
