The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has launched a significant, intensified crackdown against the illicit trade of codeine-based cough syrups, prompted by rising concerns over drug abuse and illegal supply networks. The comprehensive two-day operation saw FSDA teams conduct raids at more than 30 locations across the state over the weekend.
The sweeping drive targeted cities including Ghazipur, Kanpur, Bareilly, Agra, and Lucknow, amidst growing concerns about codeine syrup misuse by addicts and its movement through sophisticated, clandestine smuggling channels, including cross-border routes.
Key Arrest and Network Exposure
In Lucknow, the raid led to a substantial seizure on Saturday in Sneh Nagar near Singar Nagar. Officials confiscated cough syrups valued at over ₹3 lakh, which are now undergoing laboratory testing due to suspicion of containing codeine.
A man identified as Deepak Manwani was arrested at the scene with the consignment. During his interrogation, Manwani provided crucial details about the illegal supply chain:
- He admitted to procuring the syrups from states including Gujarat, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh, which he then sold locally in Uttar Pradesh at high profit margins.
- Crucially, Manwani also confessed to supplying consignments that were smuggled into neighboring countries, Nepal and Bangladesh, operating through border points in Maharajganj, Siddharthnagar, and Gorakhpur.
FSDA officials revealed that Manwani’s arrest is just the tip of the iceberg, as the network extends beyond individual peddlers. Manwani named two associates, Suraj Kumar Mishra and Monti Sardar, believed to be integral members of a wider supply chain that actively exploits regulatory and enforcement gaps.
Directive for Intensified Enforcement
Principal Secretary Roshan Jacob has issued firm instructions to all district officials to intensify inspections statewide. The directive emphasizes taking stringent action against any illegal distribution of syrups or products containing banned ingredients.
FSDA Inspector Brijesh Singh confirmed that the crackdown is actively ongoing and that authorities expect to make further arrests as the investigation progresses through the network exposed by Manwani.
This renewed focus on illegal pharmaceutical trade also follows a national alert triggered by multiple child deaths in Madhya Pradesh linked to Coldrif syrup, manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceuticals. The syrup was found to contain dangerously high levels of diethylene glycol (DEG). The tragedy, in which at least 20 children died, has led the FSDA in Uttar Pradesh to prohibit the sale and movement of Coldrif and all other syrups produced by Sresan Pharmaceuticals.