Uttar Pradesh Police Crack Down on Massive Codeine-Syrup Racket, 90+ FIRs Registered Across 30 Districts

Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have intensified the investigation into a large illegal codeine-based cough syrup racket, registering over 90 FIRs and linking operations across more than 30 districts. The crackdown is led by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA) in coordination with police. The probe began after seizures of 1.19 lakh bottles in Sonbhadra and 1.5 lakh bottles in Ghaziabad. Officials say the racket spans multiple states and reportedly supplied syrup illegally overseas, including Bangladesh and Gulf countries. At the center of the operation is Shubham Jaiswal, a Varanasi-based pharmaceutical dealer, and his father. They are accused of using fake companies and forged drug licenses to distribute nearly 89 lakh bottles of codeine syrup, worth around ₹100 crore, between 2023 and 2025. Several stockists and some drug inspectors are under scrutiny for their roles in approving these licenses. Recently, a key associate, Amit Kumar Singh Tata, was arrested in Lucknow with incriminating documents. The police are still searching for Jaiswal. Officials emphasize that the crackdown focuses on dismantling the illegal network while ensuring legitimate suppliers are not harassed. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and seizures are expected soon, aiming to curb illegal narcotic trade and protect public health. #UPNews #CodeineRacket #VaranasiNews #DrugCrackdown #IllegalTrade #PoliceAction #PublicHealth #BreakingNews #PharmaFraud #CrimeAlert Uttar Pradesh Police Crack Down on Massive Codeine-Syrup Racket, 90+ FIRs Registered Across 30 Districts Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have intensified the investigation into a large illegal codeine-based cough syrup racket, registering over 90 FIRs and linking operations across more than 30 districts. The crackdown is led by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (UPFSDA) in coordination with police. The probe began after seizures of 1.19 lakh bottles in Sonbhadra and 1.5 lakh bottles in Ghaziabad. Officials say the racket spans multiple states and reportedly supplied syrup illegally overseas, including Bangladesh and Gulf countries. At the center of the operation is Shubham Jaiswal, a Varanasi-based pharmaceutical dealer, and his father. They are accused of using fake companies and forged drug licenses to distribute nearly 89 lakh bottles of codeine syrup, worth around ₹100 crore, between 2023 and 2025. Several stockists and some drug inspectors are under scrutiny for their roles in approving these licenses. Recently, a key associate, Amit Kumar Singh Tata, was arrested in Lucknow with incriminating documents. The police are still searching for Jaiswal. Officials emphasize that the crackdown focuses on dismantling the illegal network while ensuring legitimate suppliers are not harassed. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests and seizures are expected soon, aiming to curb illegal narcotic trade and protect public health.