Mastermind of Illicit Cough Syrup Trade Apprehended in ED Raids

Authorities have launched a significant nationwide operation targeting an illegal cough syrup racket, with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) leading the charge. The primary focus is on Shubham Jaiswal, identified as the mastermind, and his alleged associates, Alok Singh and Amit Singh. Searches have been executed across multiple cities, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Ahmedabad, Jaunpur, Saharanpur, and Ranchi, in a concerted effort to dismantle the entire operation. Reports confirm that Alok Singh’s locations in Lucknow were also subjected to ED searches. This extensive crackdown is reportedly informed by a dossier of over 30 FIRs compiled in the last two months. These legal complaints outline a pattern of illegal activities related to the hoarding, movement, trading, and international smuggling of cough syrups containing codeine. The affected areas include several Uttar Pradesh districts like Lucknow, Varanasi, Sonbhadra, Saharanpur, and Ghaziabad, underscoring the pervasive nature of this illicit enterprise.