Authorities in Uttar Pradesh have intensified crackdown on the illegal sale and non-medical use of codeine-based cough syrup, with multiple raids conducted across several districts. In the Bijnor district, three individuals were arrested in connection with the alleged illegal trade on Saturday.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dr. Krishna Gopal Singh, the arrests were made following a complaint by Drug Inspector Umesh Kumar Bharti. The complaint accused Arun, Shivanshu, and Rishabh — residents of Bijnor — of selling and using codeine-based cough syrup for non-medical purposes. Acting on the complaint, police arrested all three and carried out raids at multiple locations in the district.
ASP Singh said that the campaign against illegal narcotics will continue and that investigations are ongoing in another related case. He added that more arrests are likely in the coming days.
The action in Bijnor is part of a broader statewide investigation into an alleged illegal network involved in the storage and distribution of codeine-based cough syrup. Police teams may conduct further raids in other areas as the probe expands.
Meanwhile, the issue has triggered a political row in the state. Following the exposure of what is being described as a large illegal trafficking racket —estimated to be worth around Rs 2,000 crore — Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made serious allegations against the Samajwadi Party (SP), escalating political tensions in Uttar Pradesh.
Authorities maintain that strict action will be taken against those involved in the illegal drug trade, regardless of their influence or affiliations.