As the investigation into codeine cough syrup smuggling deepens in UP, cases registered against 12 more pharma companies, total number reaches 38. As soon as the investigation team arrived, the companies were found closed or missing, which deepened the suspicion that the network was large and organized.
Varanasi. Smuggling of cough syrup containing codeine is once again in the headlines in Uttar Pradesh. The Food and Drugs Department in Varanasi on Friday made a big revelation by registering a case against 12 more pharmaceutical companies. Earlier, action had already been taken against 26 pharmaceutical companies. Overall, 38 pharma companies are now under investigation. According to Inspector Janab Ali of the department, when the investigation team reached the addresses of these 12 suspicious companies, a shocking situation came to light. Some companies were found closed, while at many places completely different shops were running. This indicates that the smuggling network was organized, planned and active over a long period of time.
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Is the cough syrup smuggling network in UP bigger than before?
Investigation revealed that many companies existed only on paper. The actual operation is suspected to be from somewhere else. Officials believe that this makes it clear that the drug mafia was misusing pharma licenses and documents.
How were the pharmaceutical companies found missing when the investigation team arrived?
The team found many of the 12 companies either closed or other shops were running there. This shows two possibilities: the companies were fake or they were abandoned as soon as they got wind of the investigation. Both situations point towards a bigger game.
Were these companies involved in the illegal supply of codeine syrup?
According to Inspector Ali, purchase and sale of cough syrup in unusual quantities was found in the records of these firms. Codeine, a controlled drug, is often used in the drug trade. This is the reason why the activities of pharma firms were considered suspicious.
Why was FIR registered? Why did the firm owners not respond?
The department had sent notices to all the operators seeking answers, but none of the owners could give a satisfactory answer. Many simply stopped responding. This was the reason that FIR was registered in Kotwali police station and action was started.
Are there signs of a big scam in the UP pharma sector?
It is not normal for 38 companies to come under investigation simultaneously. Experts say that this is probably part of the controlled medicine syndicate running in the state. Now the government and agencies are scanning the entire network.