12 More Firms Booked in Codeine Cough Syrup Smuggling Case; Major Crackdown in Varanasi

Varanasi (The Uttam Hindu): The Food and Drug Department of Uttar Pradesh has intensified its action against the illegal supply and smuggling of codeine-based cough syrup in Varanasi. On Friday, FIRs were registered against 12 more pharmaceutical firms involved in suspicious activities. Earlier, legal action had already been taken against 26 companies.

According to departmental inspector Janab Ali, after FIRs were filed against 26 firms on November 15, the investigation revealed details of 12 additional suspicious companies. A verification and inspection team was sent to their registered addresses, where shocking discrepancies were found. At several locations the shops were closed, while in others completely unrelated businesses were operating. Many firms existed only on paper and had no physical presence.

The department had earlier issued notices to these firms, asking them to provide details about their operations and submit all relevant documents. However, none of the firms responded within the given deadline, nor did they provide any documents. Following this, complaints were filed on Friday at the Kotwali police station in Varanasi against all 12 companies. Officials said that action was taken because these firms did not cooperate in the investigation and failed to provide mandatory records.

In recent months, several cases of illegal supply and trafficking of codeine-based cough syrup have been exposed in Varanasi and nearby districts. Large quantities of stock have been seized, and multiple links of the supply network have been identified. Inspector Ali added that the investigation is still ongoing, and any firm found involved in the illegal supply chain or refusing to cooperate will face strict action.