UP CM Yogi Adityanath Says Largest Wholesaler in Codeine Syrup Case Had License Under Samajwadi Party Government

Lucknow, December 22, 2025 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday addressed the Assembly to respond to allegations regarding deaths due to fake medicines and codeine syrup, asserting that no such case has come to the notice of the state government. Speaking strongly against the Samajwadi Party, Adityanath highlighted that the largest wholesaler arrested in the codeine syrup case was issued a license during the previous SP government’s tenure. He explained that cases related to the illegal diversion of codeine syrup are being pursued under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and that the government has successfully defended its position in court. Adityanath referred to photographs circulating publicly and commented, “Whenever such issues come up nationally, some people immediately flee the country. I think the same may be happening with your people as well,” suggesting that the opposition was trying to politicize the matter. The Chief Minister dismissed opposition claims of deaths due to codeine syrup in Uttar Pradesh, stating clearly that no such incidents have been reported in the state. “From time to time, the Food Safety and Drug Administration conducts raids and takes strict action against erring firms,” he added. He also clarified that codeine syrup is not manufactured in Uttar Pradesh; the state only hosts stockists and wholesalers. The syrup’s production occurs in states such as Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, while deaths reported elsewhere were linked to a syrup manufactured in Tamil Nadu. Adityanath emphasized that the issue at hand was illegal diversion of the syrup, not adulteration. Several wholesalers from districts including Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur were involved in supplying the syrup to regions and countries where its sale is prohibited, leading to misuse. He cautioned that codeine syrup should not be consumed without medical advice, especially by children, and noted that it is generally prescribed by doctors for cough treatment. Detailing enforcement actions, the Chief Minister said that 79 cases have been registered, 225 individuals named, and 78 arrests made. Raids were conducted at 134 firms, and the special task force continues investigating financial and logistical transactions connected to the racket. Adityanath alleged that deeper investigations could reveal links to leaders and functionaries of the Samajwadi Party. He reiterated the state government’s firm stance against offenders, stating, “The government has fought this case in court and won. Do not worry—when the time comes, even bulldozer action will be taken. Then do not raise slogans.” By emphasizing transparency, legal action, and strict enforcement, Adityanath aimed to reassure the Assembly and the public of the government’s commitment to tackling illegal codeine syrup diversion while countering politically motivated claims. UP CM Yogi Adityanath Says Largest Wholesaler in Codeine Syrup Case Had License Under Samajwadi Party Government UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday addressed the Assembly, responding to allegations about deaths caused by fake medicines and codeine syrup. He clarified that no such case has been reported in Uttar Pradesh and said the issue appears politically motivated. The CM highlighted that the largest wholesaler arrested in the ongoing codeine syrup case had received a license during the Samajwadi Party government, pointing to the opposition’s role in the controversy. “Whenever such issues come up nationally, some people immediately flee the country. I think the same may be happening with your people as well,” he remarked, referring to photos circulating in public. Adityanath explained that codeine syrup is not manufactured in Uttar Pradesh, only stocked and sold by wholesalers. Production occurs in states like Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, while deaths reported elsewhere were linked to syrup manufactured in Tamil Nadu. The case revolves around illegal diversion of syrup, not adulteration. Wholesalers from Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur were allegedly supplying it to regions where it’s prohibited, leading to misuse. The Chief Minister detailed the state’s enforcement actions: 79 cases registered, 225 people named, and 78 arrested. Raids were carried out at 134 firms, and the special task force continues investigating linked financial transactions. Adityanath warned that offenders would not be spared and reiterated the government’s firm legal stance. He also reminded the public that codeine syrup should only be used under medical advice, particularly for children, as it is primarily prescribed for cough. By clarifying the facts and outlining government action, Adityanath aimed to assure citizens that the state is handling the issue seriously while countering politically motivated claims.