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ED Crackdown Unmasks a Billion-Rupee Cough Syrup Mafia Across Three States

The Enforcement Directorate raids multiple locations across Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Jharkhand in a massive crackdown on an illegal cough syrup racket. Main accused Shubham Jaiswal remains absconding, while dozens have been arrested as the investigation widens.

Post Published By: Karan Sharma
Updated : 12 December 2025, 2:59 PM IST
ED Crackdown Unmasks a Billion-Rupee Cough Syrup Mafia Across Three States

The hunt for illegal cough syrup kingpin Shubham Jaiswal Intensifies

New Delhi: For the past two months, a large network of illegal cough syrup trade had been operating in several districts of Uttar Pradesh. The smuggling and sale of these cough syrups, containing a codeine formula, not only generated huge illegal profits but also shocked the entire country with reports of several children dying after consuming them.

Considering the seriousness of the matter, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched an investigation into potential money laundering.

UP STF cracks down on Codeine cough syrup racket, arrests 2 key suspects

ED Conducts Simultaneous Raids in Multiple States

On Friday morning, the ED's Lucknow unit conducted extensive raids on locations linked to Shubham Jaiswal, the main accused in the illegal cough syrup case.

Locations raided

  • Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow, Saharanpur, Varanasi, Jaunpur
  • Gujarat: Ahmedabad
  • Jharkhand: Ranchi
It is suspected that large quantities of illegal cough syrup were stored at these locations and then supplied to surrounding districts and towns. More than 30 FIRs have been registered in connection with this case in the last two months.

Shubham Jaiswal and His Network

Shubham Jaiswal is considered the main mastermind behind this large-scale illegal cough syrup racket. His two key associates—Alok Singh and Amit Singh—also played a crucial role in running this network. Police have already arrested Alok Singh, while the role of Amit Singh is still under investigation.

The Mastermind of the Cough Syrup Scandal

According to sources, after the case came to light, Shubham Jaiswal fled to Dubai and is currently hiding there. However, 32 people associated with this network, including his father Bhola Prasad, have been arrested.

Major Revelation of Illegal Trade

The investigation revealed that large quantities of codeine-based cough syrup were illegally stored and traded in several districts of Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Sonbhadra, Saharanpur, and Ghaziabad.
The estimated value of this trade is said to be thousands of crores of rupees—indicating a large-scale conspiracy behind this racket. Government and investigative agencies take strict action
Given the seriousness of the matter, the Uttar Pradesh government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the entire network. The action taken by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) also makes it clear that the investigation will now proceed in the direction of money laundering.

Location : 
  • New Delhi

Published : 
  • 12 December 2025, 2:59 PM IST

Topics : 

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