The campaign launched by the Yogi Adityanath government to eliminate the illegal drug trade in Uttar Pradesh has moved far beyond the state’s borders and is now being described as a major turning point in dismantling an international drug mafia network.

What began as an effort to stop local drug misuse has uncovered a sprawling syndicate operating across countries. At the centre of this operation is Phensedyl, a cough syrup that contains codeine. While this medicine is legally used to treat coughs, it has increasingly been misused as a low-cost intoxicant, spreading addiction through illegal trafficking routes.

In Uttar Pradesh, authorities exposed a well-organised racket that was not limited to domestic distribution but was also supplying illegal consignments abroad. Recognising the seriousness of the issue, the Yogi Adityanath government ordered a coordinated investigation in 2024. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) and the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) were directed to jointly probe the illegal storage, sale, and smuggling of codeine-based syrups.

The investigation, which began in 2024, uncovered a massive network by 2025. As a result, 128 FIRs were registered, 280 drug licences were cancelled, more than 3.5 lakh vials were seized, and 32 key accused were arrested. Officials estimate that this illegal empire is worth over ₹425 crore. The network extended across 28 districts of Uttar Pradesh and had international links reaching Nepal, Bangladesh, Dubai, and Pakistan.

As the probe deepened, investigators uncovered a web involving super-stockist firms, shell companies, political connections, and even a terror funding angle. Alleged links between some Samajwadi Party leaders and individuals close to Samajwadi Party chief and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav further intensified political tension. Acting on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a joint operation by the STF, FSDA, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) dismantled what officials described as a ‘halal’ drug syndicate, which they say was destroying the future of youth and posing a threat to national security. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the ED are now examining the syndicate in detail, with a focus on possible money laundering and terror funding running into thousands of crores.

What Is Codeine and Why Its Syrup Is Dangerous

Codeine is derived from opium and is commonly used in cough syrups to provide relief from persistent coughing. However, when consumed in large quantities, it can have mind-altering effects. Long-term use of codeine can lead to serious addiction, similar to heroin or opium. In recent years, its use as a so-called soft drug has increased sharply. Experts point out that even a mixture containing 10 ml of codeine in 100 ml of syrup can cause addiction, making it particularly dangerous when misused.

How the First Case Was Detected

The first major breakthrough came in February 2024, when a raid was conducted in the Sushant Golf City area of Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh STF had received intelligence inputs suggesting that a large quantity of Phensedyl, a codeine-based cough syrup, was being illegally stored at the location. During the raid, officials found forged documents, and the supply chain linked to the syrup immediately appeared suspicious.

An FIR was registered at the Sushant Golf City police station under various sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS), along with relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code. This action was taken after months of surveillance and intelligence gathering. Following the raid, investigators examined every aspect of the case for more than a year.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued clear instructions that there should be no leniency in dealing with those involved in the drug syndicate. Acting on his directions, the STF and the FSDA carried out a detailed and sustained investigation. Over nearly a year, every lead was examined carefully to ensure that no individual involved in the racket escaped scrutiny.

Super-Stockists and the Drug Mafia Connection

The STF investigation revealed that certain firms were operating as super-stockists, legally authorised to store large quantities of medicines. These companies initially made legitimate purchases of large volumes of codeine-based cough syrup. However, the investigation found that fake firms were later created to divert and sell this syrup illegally.

By forging records, the syrup was sold on the black market as an intoxicant rather than a medicine. From there, it was supplied to Nepal and Bangladesh through neighbouring states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. The illegal trade covered 28 districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Varanasi, Jaunpur, and Saharanpur, and extended into several other states.

As the investigation progressed, multiple scandals emerged, ranging from political links to connections with international drug mafias. The biggest challenge for the administration was identifying and arresting the kingpin while fully exposing the structure of the syndicate.

How the Syndicate Was Uncovered

After nearly a year of investigation, a major breakthrough occurred on October 18, 2025, when a truck was intercepted in the Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. The truck appeared to be carrying cartons of chips. However, upon inspection, officials discovered a massive cache of codeine-based cough syrup hidden inside the cartons. The estimated value of the seized drugs was around ₹3 crore.

Three smugglers from Madhya Pradesh, Hemant Pal, Brijmohan Shivhare, and Ramgopal Dhakad, were arrested. Since February of the previous year, the STF had been linking this operation to other similar smuggling cases. Information from the Sonbhadra seizure helped investigators connect the dots. Initial findings suggested that the consignment was headed to Pakistan via Nepal. Within the next fifteen to twenty days, additional large consignments were seized from Jharkhand and Ranchi.

A detailed investigation led agencies to the name of Shubham Jaiswal. After examining more than 300 firms, investigators shortlisted 133 companies that were either directly involved in the drug trade or helping divert supplies. Raids had already begun months earlier to dismantle the network from its roots.

From Banaras to Dubai: The Syndicate’s Global Trail

As the STF accelerated its investigation, the structure of the syndicate began to unravel. Shubham Jaiswal, originally from Varanasi, was found to be living in Dubai. On November 27, the STF arrested Amit Kumar Singh, also known as Amit Tata, near Gauri Square in Lucknow’s Vibhutikhand area. During questioning, he was identified as a crucial link in the network, managing operations from Dubai on Shubham Jaiswal’s instructions.

Digital devices recovered from Amit Tata revealed supply routes, transaction details, and the full operational map of the syndicate. Shubham’s father, Bhola Prasad, was also found to be involved. He was arrested at Kolkata airport while attempting to flee to Thailand, fearing action by the STF.

The Chief Minister directed the STF and the Uttar Pradesh Drugs Department to dismantle the entire network. Investigators later found that the syndicate was using supply chains of major pharmaceutical companies, including Laborate, 3B Healthcare, and Abbott.

The name of Alok Kumar Singh, a dismissed Uttar Pradesh police constable, also surfaced. His 7,000 sq. ft. mansion surprised ED officials. A photograph of Alok Kumar Singh with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav subsequently emerged. While agencies have not officially named influential politicians, photos and videos showing politicians with Shubham Jaiswal and Amit Tata have been circulating online. Given the scale of the operation, authorities suspect the involvement of high-profile individuals, prompting the Chief Minister to enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy.

Actions Taken So Far

Following these arrests, investigative agencies moved to dismantle the syndicate completely. On December 8, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Krishna, and FSDA Commissioner Roshan Jacob held a joint press conference in Lucknow.

They confirmed that 128 FIRs had been registered, 280 drug licences cancelled, and 3.5 lakh vials seized. Thirty-two individuals have been arrested so far, including Vibhor Rana, Vishal Rana, Saurabh Tyagi, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, Alok Pratap Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Akash Pathak, and Amit Singh alias Amit Tata.

Investigators estimate the illegal trade could run into thousands of crores, with an initial estimate of around ₹425 crore. A Special Investigation Team has been formed, and on December 3, the ED registered an ECIR against 67 accused. Searches were conducted at 25 locations across several states.

It was also revealed that 700 fake firms were registered in the names of 220 individuals for money laundering. The ED suspects terror funding links, noting that proceeds from the drug trade were used for such activities. Officials also highlighted that cough syrups are promoted as ‘halal’ intoxicants, and their misuse has reportedly increased in certain areas.

Samajwadi Party’s Discomfort Over the Crackdown

The Samajwadi Party’s unease has grown as agencies continue arresting those involved in the codeine trade. Photographs of dismissed constable Alok Singh with Akhilesh Yadav have fuelled political controversy. As investigations progress, officials suggest that more links could emerge.

Authorities maintain that codeine has become a destructive force, and those who profited from its trade will not be spared. The Yogi government has reiterated its commitment to completely dismantle the drug syndicate and pursue all angles, including terror funding, until the network is fully destroyed.