Lucknow: As the investigation into the multi-crore codeine-based cough syrup racket moves closer to its source, the Uttar Pradesh Police Special Task Force (STF) is preparing to name three pharmaceutical manufacturing firms as accused, signaling a decisive shift from intermediaries to the manufacturing level of the illegal supply chain. An FIR against the firms is likely to be registered in Ghaziabad.
According to a recent media report in the Hindustan Times, senior officials confirmed investigators have gathered substantial evidence indicating that certain manufacturers were aware of the unusually high volumes of codeine syrup being supplied and the questionable distribution channels used to move the consignments. The STF said more arrests are likely as financial transactions and interstate links connected to the racket continue to be examined.
As per police, he manufacturers allegedly supplied large quantities of codeine-based cough syrup while allowing their products to be routed through dozens of fake pharmaceutical firms, which were created to conceal illegal diversion and possible cross-border smuggling. Officials said that in some cases, consignments were manufactured specifically for the illegal network.
The investigation has already led to multiple arrests. In November, two brothers from Saharanpur — Vibhor Rana and Vishal Singh — were arrested in Lucknow for their alleged operational role in the racket. Police believe the network was orchestrated by Shubham Jaiswal, a resident of Varanasi, who is currently suspected to be hiding in Dubai.
Investigators further revealed that the gang procured cough syrup from one major pharmaceutical company and two other manufacturers, routing the consignments through shell firms before diverting them for illegal trade. The consignments were allegedly transported through Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal and eventually smuggled into Bangladesh, indicating a well-organised interstate and international operation.
The probe has also drawn the involvement of central agencies. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has carried out searches across multiple states and initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials stated that formally naming the manufacturing firms would be a crucial step in fixing accountability at every level of the supply chain.
The STF is expected to formally name the pharmaceutical manufacturers as accused as the investigation expands further, reports Hindustan Times.