Lucknow | December 1, 2025

Uttar Pradesh’s fight against illegal codeine-based cough syrup trade has intensified sharply, with authorities filing 11 more FIRs across six districts on November 28 and 29. This brings the total number of cases registered in the state to 98, marking one of the biggest actions taken against a narcotics-linked pharmaceutical network in recent years.

Officials confirmed that these FIRs are connected to an inter-state syndicate involved in stocking, purchasing, selling and diverting regulated cough syrups and other narcotic medicines for non-medical and addictive use. The crackdown began after the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) launched extensive inspections throughout November across several districts.

According to officials, 28 of the 98 cases are from Varanasi, 16 from Jaunpur, eight from Kanpur Nagar, four from Lakhimpur Kheri, three from Lucknow, and the remaining 39 spread across Raebareli, Chandauli, Sultanpur and Ghazipur. The investigations exposed alarming irregularities, including firms with no physical existence acting as billing centres, improper storage of controlled medicines, and the absence of mandatory purchase and sale records.

Authorities have also started cancelling licences of the firms involved, using powers under Rule 66 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. This step is aimed at cutting off all channels that might allow continued circulation of these regulated drugs.

FSDA officials said the illegal network was functioning across state borders, moving cough syrups and NDPS-category medicines without prescriptions. These medicines fall under Schedule H2 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, meaning they can only be sold on the prescription of a registered doctor. Principal Secretary Roshan Jacob emphasised that misuse of such medicines poses a serious threat, especially when diverted for addiction.

To prevent further abuse, district magistrates across the state have been instructed to tighten monitoring of all narcotic-category medicines. They have been asked to ensure that every purchase and sale is recorded and that no firm bypasses legal requirements.

The FSDA said its enforcement teams will continue inspections and take action wherever violations are detected. Officials added that stopping the illegal flow of codeine cough syrups is essential to protect young people who are increasingly targeted by these networks.

The ongoing crackdown marks a significant step towards disrupting what officials describe as a deeply rooted supply chain exploiting gaps in regulation. With more FIRs possible as investigations expand, authorities expect the clean-up to continue in the coming weeks.

 UP Widens Crackdown On Illegal Cough Syrup Network As FIR Count Reaches 98 Across Multiple Districts

Uttar Pradesh has expanded its action against the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrups, with 11 more FIRs filed across six districts on November 28 and 29. This brings the total number of cases to 98, making it one of the state’s biggest operations against narcotic-linked medicine networks. Officials say the FIRs target firms involved in stocking, selling and diverting regulated medicines without proper records.

The FSDA found serious violations, including fake firms acting only as billing centres, improper storage of drugs and missing purchase-sale details. Investigators also uncovered an inter-state syndicate supplying these cough syrups and other NDPS medicines for addictive use. The state has already begun cancelling licences of the involved firms under existing drug laws.

District magistrates have been directed to intensify monitoring of all narcotic-category medicines to ensure they are sold only on a valid prescription. Authorities say strict action is essential to stop misuse of codeine-based syrups and protect young people from addiction. The FSDA has confirmed that enforcement will continue across Uttar Pradesh, with more inspections expected in the coming weeks.