Archive · 25 Dec 2025
UP Intensifies Crackdown on Codeine Cough Syrup Network
The Uttar Pradesh government is cracking down on a big illegal network that sells and smuggles codeine cough syrup.
Codeine is a medicine that can make you feel high if you take too much.
The government has arrested many people and seized lots of bottles.
They are also trying to stop the accused from running away by asking the immigration bureau to watch the airports and seaports.
Some people are trying to mix up this case with another one about poisoned syrup that killed kids, but the government says that's not true.
They are working hard to stop this illegal drug trade and catch the people who are trying to escape.
The Uttar Pradesh government is intensifying its crackdown on an illegal network trafficking codeine cough syrup.
128 FIRs have been registered, 280 drug licences cancelled, and 32 key accused arrested.
The case involves illegal stocking, sale, and trafficking of prescription-only cough syrups containing codeine.
No deaths have been reported from codeine syrup in Uttar Pradesh; the case is not linked to the Tamil Nadu cough syrup deaths.
The network extends beyond Uttar Pradesh to Kashmir, West Bengal, and Bangladesh, and the police are also seeking to prevent accused from fleeing the country.
- Who
- Uttar Pradesh government, drug trafficking syndicate, absconding accused Ritvik Goyal and Pankaj Kumar
- What
- Crackdown on illegal codeine cough syrup network and search for absconding accused
- When
- Ongoing, with recent intensification
- Where
- Uttar Pradesh, extending to Kashmir, West Bengal, and Bangladesh
- Why
- To dismantle the illegal trafficking and sale of prescription-only cough syrups containing codeine and prevent accused from fleeing
Government Action
Accused's Evasion
Legal Action
Government Action
The Uttar Pradesh government is taking strong legal action against the illegal codeine cough syrup network, including issuing Look-Out Circulars to prevent accused from fleeing the country.
Accused's Evasion
Some accused individuals are trying to evade arrest by going absconding and attempting to leave the country.
- FIRs Registered
- 128
- Drug Licences Cancelled
- 280
- Bottles Seized
- Lakhs
- Key Accused Arrested
- 32
- Cases Filed
- 79
- Accused Named
- 225
- Arrested
- 78
- Raids Conducted
- 134 firms
- Absconding Accused
- Ritvik Goyal, Pankaj Kumar
Sources
UP cough syrup case is not linked to deaths due to adulterated cough syrup manufactured in TN: Read how the Yogi govt is dismantling the codeine smuggling network
Announcing ‘token reward’ for multi-billion rupee scammer raises questions about govt’s seriousness: Akhilesh Yadav
UP Police seek Look-Out Notice against absconding accused in Basti Codeine case
Cough syrup racket: Pharmacy owner arrested in UP’s Mirzapur
