On the instructions of CM Yogi, the biggest crackdown on illegal diversion of codeine cough syrup and NDPS medicines is going on in UP. FIR lodged against 133 firms in 31 districts. For the first time, the smuggling network is being broken by registering a case under NDPS and BNS Act.
Lucknow. As soon as Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assumed power, he adopted the strategy of taking strict action against the illegal drug trade. In this direction, ANTF was formed in the year 2022. After this, focus was increased on illegal trade and diversion of codeine cough syrup and NDPS category drugs.
On the instructions of CM Yogi, FSDA started intensive investigation in the entire state and before taking major action, it also investigated in states like Jharkhand, Haryana, Himachal. From here, evidence related to many super stockists and wholesalers of UP was collected.
The biggest national crackdown that has been going on for two months
Two months ago FSDA started a statewide crackdown, which is still going on. During this period, raids were conducted in 31 districts and FIRs were lodged against 133 firms. Many of these firm operators have been sent to jail.
On the instructions of CM Yogi, those smuggling codeine cough syrup are facing strict legal action. This is considered to be the biggest operation in the country so far, whereas in other states only formal action was taken.
Case under NDPS and BNS for the first time
FSDA Commissioner Dr. Roshan Jacob said that the Chief Minister had given clear instructions that the action should not be limited to just canceling the license, but such action should be taken which would become an example in the entire country. In this direction, for the first time, a case was registered under NDPS and BNS Act against people involved in illegal diversion of codeine cough syrup. A letter was also sent to the District Magistrates for action under the Gangster Act, which further strengthened the action.
Investigation of 332 medical firms in 52 districts
On the instructions of CM Yogi, 332 medicine shops and stock points were checked in 52 districts. The investigation revealed that many establishments were functioning only as billing points and did not actually exist. Adequate storage arrangements were not found at some places. Records of purchase and sale of many firms were also not found. Of these, 133 establishments were found to be involved in systematic illegal diversion of medicines and selling them as intoxicants. This network was mainly supplying from Lucknow, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich to Nepal and from Varanasi, Ghaziabad to Bangladesh.
Highest number of cases were reported in these districts
Varanasi, Jaunpur, Kanpur Nagar, Ghazipur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Lucknow, Bahraich, Bijnor, Prayagraj, Pratapgarh, Sitapur, Sonbhadra, Balrampur, Rae Bareli, Sant Kabir Nagar, Hardoi, Bhadohi, Amethi, Shravasti, Siddharthnagar, Unnao, Basti, Ambedaknagar, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, Bareilly, Sultanpur, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Banda and Kaushambi.
Instructions not to harass small traders
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that wherever illegal diversion of medicines is taking place, it should be stopped immediately and completely. It was also directed that small traders should not be harassed during the action, but strict action should be taken against the real culprits – super stockists and big wholesalers. Under this, for the first time an FIR was registered under the NDPS and BNS Act and the District Magistrates were asked to take action under the Gangster Act.
-Dr. Roshan Jacob, Secretary and Commissioner, FSDA