Codeine Cough Syrup Prices Hit Rs 1,000 in MP After Crackdown Disrupts Illegal Trade
Cold-cough syrup
New Delhi: Codeine-based cough syrups are being sold at black market prices of up to Rs 1,000 per bottle in parts of Madhya Pradesh's Vindhya region following an intensified police crackdown under "Operation Prahaar", which has led to over 700 NDPS cases, more than 1,100 arrests, and seizure of over 75,000 bottles, significantly disrupting illegal supply chains and driving prices sharply higher.
The large-scale enforcement drive, carried out between January 2025 and March 2026, resulted in the registration of 705 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the arrest of 1,142 individuals involved in the illegal trade. Authorities also seized 2,773 kg of ganja, more than 4 lakh intoxicant tablets and capsules, along with opium, heroin, and other narcotics collectively valued at over ₹5.38 crore.
Of the total seizures, codeine-based cough syrups and intoxicant tablets accounted for nearly one-third of the value, estimated at around ₹1.71 crore, highlighting the scale of misuse of prescription medicines in the region.
Officials stated that the crackdown has reduced the availability of such cough syrups by more than 80%, making them scarce in illegal markets. As supply chains have been disrupted, prices have surged and consumption patterns have started shifting.
Experts from de-addiction centres reported that despite reduced availability, addiction remains a serious concern, with an average of around 10 patients seeking treatment every month. They noted that due to stricter enforcement, many users are now turning to alternative narcotic substances.
Medical professionals also highlighted the severe health risks associated with such addiction, stating that most users are below 35 years of age and prolonged abuse can significantly reduce life expectancy. In many cases, addicts reportedly consume three to four bottles of cough syrup daily, according to a recent media report in The Economic Times.
Authorities have emphasised that the illegal diversion of prescription medicines for substance abuse reflects a deeply entrenched network, and enforcement efforts will continue until the menace is fully controlled.
