UP Cracks Down on Illegal Codeine Racket: FSDA Files Criminal Cases Under NDPS and BNS for the First Time

Lucknow | December 12, 2025 Uttar Pradesh authorities have launched a major crackdown on the illegal distribution of codeine-based cough syrup, filing criminal cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for the first time. The move comes after a months-long investigation that exposed an extensive network of suppliers and super stockists operating illegally across the state. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) identified 133 firms in 31 districts linked to the illegal diversion of codeine syrup. The probe covered 52 districts and 332 drug establishments, revealing that many of the facilities existed only on paper, acted solely as billing centres, lacked proper records, and did not maintain adequate storage for controlled substances. Investigators traced links between these establishments and suppliers from Jharkhand, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh, highlighting the interstate nature of the operation. Officials revealed that the diverted syrup was trafficked not just within the state but also across international borders. Routes to Nepal included Lucknow, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich, while shipments to Bangladesh moved through Varanasi and Ghaziabad. Key districts where cases have been registered include Varanasi, Kanpur Nagar, Ghazipur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Bareilly, Sultanpur, Mirzapur, Basti, Azamgarh, and Saharanpur. Dr. Roshan Jacob, FSDA Secretary, stated that the crackdown is part of a directive from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to take stringent action against those pushing youth into addiction. She described the campaign as “the strongest anywhere in the country against illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrup” and assured that the network responsible for trafficking would be dismantled. In addition to criminal cases under NDPS and BNS, the FSDA has sent letters to all district magistrates recommending action under the Gangster Act against major offenders. Authorities emphasized that the focus is on targeting large-scale operations and stockists, while ensuring that small retailers are not harassed and no diverted medicine leaves Uttar Pradesh for misuse. This crackdown marks a significant escalation in UP’s efforts to tackle drug diversion and abuse, combining legal action with inter-state coordination. Officials highlighted the importance of vigilance at the local and district levels, with BLOs and other enforcement agencies playing a key role in tracking the supply chain and stopping illicit operations. By taking strong and coordinated action, the state aims to protect public health, prevent youth addiction, and curb the flow of illegal substances both within and beyond its borders. The FSDA confirmed that the operation is ongoing, with monitoring and raids continuing across affected districts to ensure compliance and dismantle the illegal network once and for all. This unprecedented approach underscores the government’s determination to tackle drug-related crimes comprehensively and serves as a warning to those attempting to exploit loopholes in medicine distribution in Uttar Pradesh. UP Cracks Down on Illegal Codeine Racket: FSDA Files Criminal Cases Under NDPS and BNS for the First Time Uttar Pradesh has launched a strong crackdown on illegal codeine-based cough syrup, filing criminal cases under the NDPS Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for the first time. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) identified 133 firms across 31 districts involved in diverting syrup for non-medical use after investigating 52 districts and 332 drug establishments. Many of these firms existed only on paper, worked as billing centres, lacked proper records, and failed to store medicines safely. Officials traced connections between suppliers in Jharkhand, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh and super stockists in UP. The diverted syrup was trafficked to Nepal via Lucknow, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich, and to Bangladesh through Varanasi and Ghaziabad. Cases have been registered in Varanasi, Kanpur Nagar, Ghazipur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Bareilly, Sultanpur, Mirzapur, Basti, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, and other districts. FSDA Secretary Dr. Roshan Jacob said the crackdown follows Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directive to take strict action against those promoting addiction among youth. She described the campaign as “the strongest anywhere in the country” against illegal diversion and assured that the network would be dismantled. Letters were also sent to district magistrates recommending action under the Gangster Act against major offenders, while ensuring small retailers are not harassed and no diverted medicine leaves the state. The operation combines legal action with inter-state coordination and local monitoring. It reflects the government’s determination to protect public health, prevent youth addiction, and curb trafficking. Authorities confirmed raids and enforcement will continue across affected districts until the illegal network is fully dismantled.