Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) has filed a chargesheet against four accused, including Shubham Jaiswal, alleged mastermind of a syndicate involved in the illegal trade and smuggling of codeine-based cough syrup, and his maternal cousin, Gaurav Jaiswal. Both Shubham and Gaurav are currently in Dubai. The STF has corresponded with the Union Home Ministry and the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate their return to India, and the process is underway. According to investigating agencies, the syndicate allegedly used multiple firms to purchase and distribute cough syrup, conducting illegal business worth hundreds of crores of rupees. Investigators have gathered evidence relating to bank accounts, commercial transactions and supply routes used in the operation.
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Cough Syrup Allegedly Supplied Across States and Neighbouring Countries
The Food Safety and Drug Administration, along with the STF, exposed the alleged illegal network involving codeine-based cough syrup last year. Investigations revealed that the syndicate purchased consignments of cough syrup from Abbott and subsequently sold them across various states. The network allegedly extended its supply operations to Nepal and Bangladesh.
Investigating agencies examined individuals associated with the business, companies, bank accounts and supply routes. Officials said the evidence collected so far indicates financial transactions worth hundreds of crores of rupees and substantial alleged illegal earnings linked to the operation.
Apart from Shubham and Gaurav Jaiswal, the chargesheet names Amit Jaiswal and Vikas Singh Narve as accused. Investigators are examining their alleged roles and tracing the financial transactions associated with the network.
Gaurav Allegedly Managed the Syndicate’s Finances
According to the investigation, Gaurav Jaiswal played a significant role in managing the syndicate’s finances. He allegedly enjoyed Shubham Jaiswal’s complete trust and handled several decisions concerning the movement and distribution of money generated through the business.
His alleged responsibilities included determining the sources of funds, deciding where the money would be transferred or channelled through business entities, and determining the commissions payable to different individuals. The STF has reportedly collected evidence concerning his role and the financial transactions linked to the alleged operation.
Vikas Singh Narve is accused of managing the syndicate’s activities in the Purvanchal region. He is described as a close associate of Shubham Jaiswal. Investigations indicate that approximately a dozen firms associated with him were allegedly used for the purchase and sale of cough syrup. The transactions conducted through these firms are also under scrutiny.
Separately, investigators have reportedly established cough syrup purchases worth approximately ₹10 crore through Amit Jaiswal’s firms, Shaili Traders and Shri Hari Pharma. Investigating agencies are examining the companies’ business records and financial transactions to establish the alleged roles of those involved.
32 Accused Named So Far, 19 Arrested
A total of 32 people have been named as accused in the case so far, according to the investigation. Of these, 19 have been arrested, while chargesheets have been filed against 14 accused. Approximately half a dozen key accused, including Amit Tata and dismissed constable Alok, are currently in jail.
Investigators are continuing efforts to trace other suspects who remain absconding. They are also examining additional individuals linked to the network and the firms allegedly used to facilitate the illegal trade.
Attachment Proclamation Notices Pasted at Homes of Four Absconding Accused
In a related development, police in DDU Nagar, Chandauli district, pasted court-issued proclamation notices at the Varanasi residences of four absconding accused on Saturday. The notices relate to the legal process preceding the attachment of property. Police also used traditional drum announcements to publicise the action.
The four accused named in the notices are Shubham Jaiswal, Prashant Kumar Kasera, his wife Anjali Rani Kasera, and Akash Gupta.
According to the police, the notices were pasted at the residences of the accused who are wanted in connection with two cases, in compliance with court orders. Investigators have also identified additional individuals during the course of the investigation, and further action is expected based on the evidence collected.
The STF and local police are continuing their efforts to locate absconding suspects, facilitate the return of Shubham and Gaurav Jaiswal from Dubai, and establish the extent of the financial network allegedly involved in the illegal codeine-based cough syrup trade.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
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