ED raids 25 locations linked to ₹1,000cr cough syrup racket
What's the story
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major crackdown on an alleged illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup. The agency conducted searches at 25 locations across Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat. The operation is part of a money laundering investigation linked to the racket. The searches began at 7:30am at facilities linked to main accused, Shubham Jaiswal, and his close associates Alok Singh and Amit Singh.
Raid details
Raids conducted at multiple locations
The raids were conducted at locations in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur, and Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh. Others included Ranchi and Ahmedabad. The ED is probing premises linked to Jaiswal's associates and cough syrup manufacturers. Chartered Accountant Vishnu Aggarwal's residence and office are also under investigation for alleged financial links to the illegal trade.
Case details
₹1,000 crore proceeds of crime estimated
The ED's action comes after more than 30 FIRs were filed in Uttar Pradesh over the last two months. These cases relate to illegal stocking, transportation, trading, and cross-border smuggling of codeine-based cough syrup. The total proceeds of crime are estimated to be over ₹1,000 crore. Jaiswal is currently absconding and believed to be in Dubai while his father Bhola Prasad has been arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police.
Arrests made
32 arrested in connection with illegal trade
So far, the Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested 32 people in connection with this racket. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the state government for a coordinated probe into the case. This multi-state crackdown is one of the biggest actions against illegal pharmaceutical trafficking in recent months.