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Shubham Jaiswal has emerged as the key mastermind in the massive codeine cough syrup trafficking scandal spread across multiple Indian states and neighbouring countries. With fake licenses, a vast network and political links, his illegal empire reportedly crossed ₹2,000 crore in five years.
The Mastermind of the Cough Syrup Scandal
New Delhi: The multi-crore rupee codeine cough syrup smuggling scandal uncovered in Uttar Pradesh has shocked the entire nation. The main accused in this entire network is Shubham Jaiswal, a resident of Varanasi, whose supply chain extends across the country and into neighboring countries.
Shubham's father, Bholanath Prasad, was already involved in the pharmaceutical business on a small scale. The family lived in a modest house in Gaighat, Varanasi.
Familiar with the intricacies of the pharmaceutical business, Shubham gradually expanded this network to a dangerous level.
From UP to Nepal, Bangladesh, and Dubai: Unravelling the fake cough syrup network
Shubham's father, Bhola Prasad, was recently arrested at Kolkata Airport while allegedly trying to flee the country. Dismissed constables Alok Pratap Singh and Amit Singh Tata have also been arrested.
Seeing an opportunity in the pharmaceutical market during the pandemic, Shubham registered his first firm in Ranchi, Shaili Traders. According to investigating agencies, it was from here that he began smuggling codeine-containing cough syrup through:
Black-market network dealing in illicit cough syrup has been uncovered
His network extended to Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bangladesh. Shubham himself acted as a "super stockist" and was in contact with numerous stockists, both large and small.
Over the past three years, Shubham, with the help of several Drug Department officials, obtained a large number of drug licenses, many of which existed only on paper.
Their sole purpose was the illegal billing of codeine cough syrup.
Investigations revealed that Shubham's total business reached over 2000 crore rupees in five years. The ED has posted notices at his Varanasi residences under the PMLA. The role of several officials is under investigation.
Cough Syrup Scam in UP: How Chips and Snacks Became a Gateway for Illegal Trade
While agencies are searching for him, a 13-minute video of Shubham has surfaced in which: He declared himself "innocent." He appealed to CM Yogi for justice. He denied the allegations. According to sources, Shubham has fled to Dubai, while his father and close associates are under arrest.
