UP: Lakhs of codeine-based cough syrup, painkiller capsules seized, 2 arrested

Published On 2025-10-15 09:00 GMT | Update On 2025-10-15 09:00 GMT

Bahraich: Two men were arrested in Uttar Pradesh after authorities seized codeine-based cough syrup and painkiller capsules worth several lakhs. The drugs were found without proper documentation, raising alarm over their potential misuse.

Following a tip-off from the state drug administration, a joint team of drug inspectors from Bahraich, Shravasti, and Gonda districts, along with local police, raided a residential complex in Salar Ganj locality on Monday.

The cough syrup and tramadol capsules were seized from the residential complex linked to Royal Pharma, owned by Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Aftab, PTI reported.

Codeine, a narcotic component used in some cough syrups, poses severe health risks, including addiction, respiratory depression, overdose, and even death.

A luxury car bearing an "MLA" sticker and a secretariat pass parked at the site was also searched, and more medicines were found inside it, officials said, adding that Ali and Aftab failed to produce valid documents related to the seized drugs and were arrested.

Police have registered an FIR and begun probing the wider network involved in the illegal trade, Jain said.

He added that codeine-based syrups and tramadol capsules are prescription medicines often misused as narcotic substitutes, and authorities are maintaining strict surveillance to curb their illegal usage.

The action comes amid a nationwide crackdown on pharmaceutical agencies found selling or distributing medicines unfit for human consumption, following the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh linked to the adulterated Coldrif cough syrup.

Yesterday, authorities sealed the Ajay Pharma Agency in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, after discovering that the company purchased 1.40 lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, a controlled substance linked to addiction and fatal effects.

Recently, he J&K Jammu and Kashmir Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) has also imposed a ban on the sale, distribution, and use of three cough syrup brands: Coldrif Syrup, RespiFresh-TR, and Relif Syrup.

Article Source : with inputs

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Ruchika Sharma

Ruchika Sharma joined Medical Dialogue as an Correspondent for the Business Section in 2019. She covers all the updates in the Pharmaceutical field, Policy, Insurance, Business Healthcare, Medical News, Health News, Pharma News, Healthcare and Investment. She has completed her B.Com from Delhi University and then pursued postgraduation in M.Com. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in Contact no. 011-43720751

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

UP: Lakhs of codeine-based cough syrup, painkiller capsules seized, 2 arrested

Similar News

CDSCO Panel Clears BDR Pharma's Abiraterone Oral Suspension, Seeks Phase IV Trial

Aurobindo Pharma Promoters Raise Rs 2,000 Crore via Structured Debt

Delhi Drugs Dept Begins Citywide Drive to Detect Spurious Fever, Flu Drugs

J&K bans ColdRif, RespiFresh, Relif syrups amid health crisis

Biocon Biologics appoints Neelkanth Chandgothia as new Global Head - Corporate Finance

8 Drug Batches from 3 Pharma Firms Banned in Punjab After ADR Reports

Torrent-JB Chemicals Rs 25,689 Crore Merger Under CCI Lens Over Monopoly Concerns