Archive · 29 Dec 2025
UP Cracks Down on Illegal Codeine Cough Syrup Network
The government in Uttar Pradesh has been working hard to stop the illegal sale and use of codeine-based cough syrups.
They inspected many drug stores and found that some people were selling these syrups illegally.
They discovered a secret network where these syrups were being sold without proper records.
The government has taken strong action against these illegal activities, arresting many people involved.
They are also suggesting new rules to make sure this doesn't happen again.
The Chief Minister supports these actions and wants to make the system more transparent and strict.
Some people who were caught argue that the actions are too harsh, but the court agreed with the government's actions.
The FSDA launched a three-month drive to control illegal activities related to codeine-based cough syrups and NDPS-category medicines.
Investigations were conducted in multiple states, revealing a parallel distribution network of these medicines.
Over 332 wholesale drug establishments were inspected, leading to the lodging of 161 FIRs and the arrest of 85 accused.
The Allahabad High Court upheld proceedings under the NDPS Act, dismissing writ petitions in 22 cases.
The FSDA is proposing stricter guidelines for the manufacture, distribution, and monitoring of codeine-based cough syrups.
- Who
- Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) under the Yogi Adityanath government
- What
- Dismantled a parallel supply chain of codeine-based cough syrups and NDPS-category medicines
- When
- Over the past three months
- Where
- Across 52 districts in Uttar Pradesh, with investigations in Jharkhand, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
- Why
- To control illegal stocking, purchase, sale, distribution, and diversion of codeine-based cough syrups and NDPS-category medicines
Government Action
Accused Parties
Legality of Actions
Government Action
The government believes its actions are necessary to control illegal activities and protect public health.
Accused Parties
The accused parties argue that the actions are excessive and violate their rights, as seen in the dismissed writ petitions.
- Agency Involved
- Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA)
- Duration of Drive
- Three months
- Number of Establishments Inspected
- 332 wholesale drug establishments
- Number of FIRs Lodged
- 161 FIRs
- Number of Accused Arrested
- 85
- Number of Cases Registered
- 79
- Key Medicines Involved
- Phensedyl, Ascoff, and other codeine-based cough syrups
- Supplies Exceeding Medical Requirement
- Over 2.23 crore bottles of Phensedyl, over 73 lakh bottles of Ascoff, and around 25 lakh bottles from other companies
Sources
Parallel supply chain of codeine-based cough syrup dismantled in major drive by FSDA
Cough syrup racket: UP food and drug dept wants tighter rules, sends proposals to state, central govts
