Mumbai Chemist Gets 15-Year NDPS Jail Term for Trafficking Codeine-Based Cough Syrup

Written By : Parthika Patel Published On 2025-11-22T13:15:13+05:30 | Updated On 22 Nov 2025 1:15 PM IST

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Mumbai: In a decisive crackdown on illegal pharmaceutical trafficking, a Special NDPS Court has sentenced Kurla-based former chemist Shakir Retiwala to 15 years' rigorous imprisonment and a Rs1 lakh fine for peddling banned codeine-based cough syrup.

According to the Free Press Journal report, the arrest took place on February 29, 2020, after a tip-off prompted the Anti-Narcotic Cell’s Ghatkopar unit to intercept him with a large stash of the prohibited syrup. The prosecution team, led by Shankar Erande, stated that police on patrol along Shanta Jog Marg in Tilaknagar, Chembur, noticed Retiwala acting suspiciously with several boxes. On checking, officers found 400 bottles (100 ml each) of codeine-based cough syrup.

A subsequent search of his residence revealed an even larger haul of 6,640 bottles, all of which were seized and added to the case evidence. Retiwala later applied for bail in December 2020, claiming he had been falsely implicated and arguing that the cough syrup did not fall under narcotic substances.

Also Read: After Toxic Syrup Deaths, Govt Mulls Ending OTC Sale of Cough Syrups Nationwide

However, the court dismissed the plea, observing that the seized bottles contained codeine phosphate, a regulated psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, firmly establishing illegal possession and distribution. The Free Press Journal report noted that the court found no merit in his defence.

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Source : with inputs

Parthika Patel

M. Pharm (Pharmaceutics)

Parthika Patel has completed her Graduated B.Pharm from SSR COLLEGE OF PHARMACY and done M.Pharm in Pharmaceutics. She can be contacted at editorial@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751