Varanasi Police to Seize ₹38 Crore in Assets Linked to Cough Syrup Trafficker

The Varanasi police are set to seize assets valued at approximately ₹38 crore belonging to Shubham Jaiswal, a key figure in an illegal cough syrup trade. Jaiswal, who has a reward of ₹50,000 on his capture and is currently the subject of a look-out notice, faces serious allegations regarding the distribution of codeine-laced cough syrup, officials announced on Thursday.

According to Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has identified these assets as part of an ongoing investigation into Jaiswal’s activities. “We have placed our findings before the court, which has issued a notice requiring details of the properties within one week,” Agarwal stated. He emphasized that failure to comply with this notice will result in the immediate sealing of the properties. Under current law, assets acquired through criminal activities can be seized during the investigation.

Investigation into Cough Syrup Trafficking

The SIT is delving into various aspects of the illegal operation, including the diversion of medicines, financial transactions, and connections among the accused. Officials revealed that they have gathered evidence indicating links to super-stockists and cross-border trafficking of cough syrup to neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh.

During an assembly session on Monday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the issue, confirming that cases related to the illegal diversion of cough syrup are being prosecuted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. He clarified that codeine-based syrup is not produced within Uttar Pradesh; instead, manufacturing occurs in states like Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The syrup implicated in recent deaths, he noted, was produced in Tamil Nadu.

Adityanath characterized the situation as one of illegal diversion rather than adulteration. He reported that wholesalers from various districts, including Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kanpur, have been involved in diverting syrup to regions where its use is prohibited, leading to significant misuse.

Law Enforcement Actions and Impact

To date, the Uttar Pradesh government has registered 79 cases, named 225 individuals, and arrested 78 suspects. Law enforcement has conducted raids at 134 firms in connection with the illegal distribution network. The Uttar Pradesh Police continue to investigate the extensive network involved in the clandestine storage and distribution of highly regulated codeine-laced cough syrups across the state.

As this investigation unfolds, the focus remains on dismantling the infrastructure that supports such illicit activities and ensuring accountability for those involved in the trade. The actions taken by law enforcement underscore a significant commitment to addressing the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of controlled substances in the region.