Uttar Pradesh's Rs 3 Crore Drug Bust: Cough Syrup Smuggling Uncovered

NCB Drug Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-10-19 21:03:26 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-16 20:59:55

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In a significant blow to illegal drug trafficking, a joint operation by Sonbhadra police and excise officials in Uttar Pradesh has led to the seizure of a massive consignment of banned cough syrup, valued at a staggering Rs 3 crore. This operation, conducted on a busy Saturday evening near Churk Mod on the Varanasi-Shaktinagar route, highlights the ongoing battle against the illicit drug trade in the region.

The operation, led by Additional SP Anil Kumar, resulted in the interception of two container trucks, revealing a sophisticated smuggling attempt. Among the ordinary cartons of chips and snacks, authorities uncovered a staggering 1,19,675 bottles of Escuf syrup, each containing 100 ml of the banned substance. This cache, worth an estimated Rs 3.5 crore on the black market, was destined to fuel the illegal narcotics trade.

Preliminary testing by the Drug Inspector confirmed the presence of codeine phosphate, a narcotic substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The three arrested individuals, Hemant Pal from Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, and Brajmohan Shivhare and Ramgopal Dhakad, both residents of Gwalior, admitted to concealing the syrup within snack cartons to evade detection. They also revealed the involvement of an accomplice in Jharkhand, who was to direct them to the delivery location.

With the bust, authorities suspect a larger interstate narcotics network operating through Bihar. The investigation now focuses on tracing the masterminds and dismantling the supply chain, with cases filed under relevant sections of the NDPS Act. This operation underscores the vigilance of law enforcement in curbing the illegal drug trade and protecting public health.

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