Lucknow | The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a sweeping crackdown on the illegal trade of narcotic medicines, particularly codeine-based cough syrups, as part of a state-wide enforcement drive. Acting on directives from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, teams of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) conducted large-scale raids across several districts.
The intensified operation has so far resulted in the filing of 128 FIRs, seizure of illicit drug consignments worth several lakhs, and the arrest of multiple drug traffickers. The state government has reiterated that it will show zero tolerance toward any supply chain that endangers youth through addictive pharmaceutical substances.
Raids Across Districts; Illegal Stock Seized
FSDA Commissioner Dr. Roshan Jacob informed that surveillance teams carried out spot inspections at several establishments during the special drive. Significant quantities of codeine-based syrups, narcotic medicines, and psychotropic substances were recovered from unlicensed or suspicious storage facilities.
Stores and stockists whose documentation or physical stock appeared questionable have been placed under scrutiny, and sales have been suspended until investigations are complete. Around two dozen medical shops have been temporarily barred from selling scheduled medicines.
To encourage public participation, the department has also issued a dedicated WhatsApp number — 8756128434 — for citizens to confidentially report illegal drug activity.
128 FIRs Registered; Major Action in Key Districts
The enforcement drive has led to 128 FIRs across 28 districts. Among the worst-affected regions are:
- Varanasi – 38 FIRs
- Jaunpur – 16
- Kanpur Nagar – 8
- Ghazipur – 6
- Lakhimpur Kheri – 4
- Lucknow – 4
Additionally, districts such as Bahraich, Bijnor, Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Sonbhadra, Siddharthnagar, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Mirzapur, Sultanpur, Ambedkarnagar, and Azamgarh reported 52 more FIRs collectively.
All accused are being booked under stringent provisions of the NDPS Act, and police teams are pursuing links to broader trafficking networks.
Strict Surveillance on Sale and Supply Chains
The FSDA confirmed that special squads have been deployed in vulnerable regions — notably Purvanchal, Terai, and Western UP — to curb illegal movement of narcotic medicines.
Officials are keeping a close watch on medical stores, wholesale agencies, and distributors previously flagged for suspicious transactions. Cases of fake billing, black marketing, and unauthorised drug supply have surfaced at several locations.
Small Towns Emerging as Supply Hubs
Investigations in recent months indicate that small towns have become key nodes in the illegal distribution of codeine-based cough syrups. Authorities suspect that consignments from these regions may be trafficked toward Nepal and Bangladesh.
Major seizures in the past few months include:
- ₹41 crore worth Phensedyl trafficking case in Jaunpur
- Illegal trade involving 89 lakh bottles in Varanasi
- Substantial narcotics stock seized in Gorakhpur and Basti
These cases triggered a more aggressive state-wide enforcement strategy.
Preventing Youth Addiction a Key Priority
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has repeatedly emphasised that safeguarding youth from addiction is among the government’s top priorities. He has instructed ANTF to intensify its ground intelligence, strengthen border vigilance, and launch coordinated operations targeting major supply networks.
Next Steps: Charge Sheets, License Cancellations, and Property Seizure
FSDA officials have confirmed that establishments facing serious irregularities may face license suspension, license cancellation, and property verification under relevant laws.
Charge sheets are being prepared in significant cases, while FSDA and police teams continue joint efforts to dismantle larger organised networks operating within the state.
