UP Launches Statewide Crackdown on Illegal Codeine Trade, 128 FIRs Registered
Lucknow: In one of the biggest statewide drug-control actions in recent years, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched a massive crackdown on the illegal storage, sale and trafficking of codeine-based cough syrups and other narcotic medicines, registering 128 FIRs against pharmaceutical firms, medical shops and entities involved in misuse of controlled drugs.
The action was carried out under the strict directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who called for eliminating drug abuse networks targeting the youth.
The coordinated drive was jointly executed by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA). Officials conducted extensive raids across 28 districts, inspecting pharmaceutical premises, warehouses, medical stores and suspected locations linked to codeine diversion. During the operation, authorities seized large quantities of illegal narcotics and codeine-containing cough syrups, with the value of recovered stock running into several lakhs.
Investigations revealed that many outlets were operating without valid licences or mandatory documentation for procurement and sale of controlled medicines. Over two dozen shops were found violating regulatory norms, leading to immediate suspension of codeine and narcotic drug sales at those premises. Several accused individuals involved in illegal storage and trafficking have also been arrested.
As per a recent media report in The420, district-wise scrutiny showed that Varanasi recorded the highest action with 38 FIRs, followed by Jaunpur with 16 and Kanpur Nagar with 8. Additional cases were registered in districts such as Ghazipur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Lucknow and others, reflecting the widespread nature of the racket. The inspections further uncovered distribution chains allegedly involved in transporting codeine-based syrups to other states and even facilitating illegal overseas smuggling.
Officials added that the crackdown is part of a larger initiative aimed at dismantling narcotics supply routes, choking illegal pharmaceutical channels and preventing misuse of prescription-based cough syrups commonly abused as intoxicants. The FSDA has urged the public to report suspicious drug-sale activities through its designated WhatsApp helpline to strengthen enforcement, reports The Statesman.
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