Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Over 1.5 Million Vials of Banned Cough Syrup Seized in Ghaziabad
Police in Ghaziabad, India, found a huge stash of over 1.5 million bottles of cough syrup that are not allowed to be sold.
These special syrups, which contain medicine to help with coughs, are often abused and used to get high.
Police found the hidden bottles inside trucks that were supposed to be carrying limestone.
Eight people who are accused of selling these banned syrups have been arrested.
The syrups were being taken to different parts of India and even to another country called Bangladesh.
The police believe this is part of a big illegal business and are trying to find everyone else involved.
They also found a lot of money, a car, and fake documents during the raid.
The company that used to make one of these syrups has already stopped making it because it's so often misused.
Ghaziabad Police and crime branch seized over 15.7 lakh vials of banned cough syrup (Eskuf, Phensedyl, Tapentadol).
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the seizure, including key operators identified as transporters Saurav Tyagi and Santosh Bhadana.
The illegal cough syrups were concealed inside four trucks, booked under the false pretext of transporting limestone, with an estimated market value of Rs 3.4 crore.
The arrested individuals confessed to supplying these banned syrups to various states, including the NCR region, and across the border to Bangladesh.
Police also recovered Rs 20 lakh in cash, a car, laptops, rubber stamps, fake SIM cards, and forged documents, and are investigating the wider distribution network.
- Who
- Ghaziabad Police and Crime Branch arrested eight people, including transporters Saurav Tyagi and Santosh Bhadana, following a tip-off from Sonbhadra Police.
- What
- Over 15.7 lakh vials of banned cough syrup (Eskuf, Phensedyl, Tapentadol) were seized from four trucks parked in a warehouse. Eight individuals involved in the illegal trade were arrested.
- When
- The operation was carried out on Wednesday, following a tip-off. The news was reported on Tuesday, and the government ban on such syrups is in effect.
- Where
- Ghaziabad, along the Delhi-Meerut Road, specifically at 'Machhli Godown' near Ghookna Mor. The banned syrups were intended for distribution to multiple states and Bangladesh.
- Why
- The cough syrups, particularly codeine-based ones, are banned due to their misuse as intoxicants. The arrested individuals are allegedly part of a racket involved in the illegal distribution of these substances.
Legal Use
Illegal Misuse
Purpose of Cough Syrups
Legal Use
Codeine-based cough syrups were originally manufactured for legitimate medical purposes to treat coughs.
Illegal Misuse
These syrups are now widely misused as intoxicants, leading to their ban.
Production and Sale
Legal Use
Companies like Abott Pharma previously produced Phensedyl for medical use.
Illegal Misuse
The sale of these syrups is banned due to their potential for abuse, and companies have ceased production.
- Seized Items
- Over 15.7 lakh vials of banned cough syrup (Eskuf, Phensedyl, Tapentadol)
- Quantity
- 1,150 cartons containing 1,573,500 vials
- Estimated Value
- Rs 3.4 crore
- Arrested Individuals
- 8 people, including transporters Saurav Tyagi and Santosh Bhadana
- Other Recoveries
- Rs 20 lakh cash, a Creta car, two laptops, seven rubber stamps, 10 fake SIM cards, forged documents
- Destination
- Multiple states in India and Bangladesh
- Modus Operandi
- Consignments concealed behind limestone in trucks, booked under false pretenses
