In a major escalation of its probe into the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out coordinated raids across Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Saharanpur, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad on Thursday morning. The searches began around 7:30 a.m. and targeted suspects allegedly involved in a massive narcotics and money laundering network operating across several states.
Nationwide Crackdown Targets Key Accused and Financial Operators
Sources said the raids focused on the premises of the prime accused Shubham Jaiswal, along with his associates Alok Singh and Amit Singh. The ED also searched properties linked to pharmaceutical suppliers suspected of illegally diverting codeine syrups, and chartered accountant Vishnu Agrawal, who is accused of laundering illicit proceeds.
The crackdown is based on more than 30 FIRs filed across Uttar Pradesh over the last two months, including in Lucknow, Varanasi, Sonbhadra, Saharanpur, and Ghaziabad. State police have already arrested 32 individuals connected to the syndicate.
Over ₹1,000 Crore in Suspected Laundering
Investigators believe the network laundered over ₹1,000 crore earned from the illegal manufacture, transport, and smuggling of codeine cough syrup. The syrup—meant strictly for medical use—was allegedly diverted in large quantities for recreational consumption and cross-border trafficking.
The illegal trade reportedly operated along routes connecting UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and international borders, particularly Nepal and Bangladesh.
Main Accused Believed to Have Fled to Dubai
ED officials stated that the primary accused, Shubham Jaiswal, is absconding and suspected to be in Dubai. His father, Bhola Prasad, has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police. Authorities are coordinating with central agencies and Interpol to trace Jaiswal’s movements and secure his return.
The Uttar Pradesh government has already formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to integrate findings from state police, FSDA, and ED operations.
CA, Pharma Firms Under Probe for Aiding Laundering
Chartered accountant Vishnu Agrawal is under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating complex financial transactions that enabled the syndicate to conceal profits. ED teams have seized digital devices, ledgers, and bank records believed to contain evidence of layered money transfers.
Officials are also examining the role of multiple pharmaceutical companies accused of supplying cough syrup in violation of NDPS norms. These companies allegedly maintained fake invoices, inflated production figures, and concealed illegal shipments.
Probe Likely to Expand as More Links Emerge
Authorities expect the investigation to widen as more evidence surfaces regarding suppliers, transporters, distributors, and overseas financiers connected to the racket. Summons to additional individuals are likely once forensic examination of seized materials is complete.
Officials said the raids are part of a broader strategy to dismantle the financial architecture supporting narcotics trafficking and prevent further misuse of pharmaceutical products.
