The Uttar Pradesh Police and the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) have tracked down more than ten suspects who are considered to be the pivots in a large network of trafficking codeine-based cough syrup. Government officials indicated on Thursday that the crackdown on illicit trade of pharmaceuticals in the state has never been bigger, and it is now gaining rapid momentum, after a special investigation team (SIT) was established earlier in the week.
The breakthrough was reached following a massive inquiry on the diversion, storage and interstate smuggling of the codeine based syrups-products which are often abused and become narcotics. The senior officials, who had functions in the probe, have stated that there exists a well-structured nexus across various districts and states, which involved manufacturers and distributors, transporters, intermediaries, and ground-level operators.
Thus far we have been able to name over a dozen people who seem to have been involved in the inner conspiracy. It is a highly coordinated network that acts via layers, to avoid detection and stems out of anonymity, said a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
It has already led to the registration of more than 128 FIRs in the state against facilities and individuals associated with the business of the illegal commerce. This according to officials is the largest step that the Uttar Pradesh government has ever made concerning pharmaceutical trafficking.
Raids are ongoing in various places, the teams investigate financial report, supply chains, transport directions, and documentation connected to the diversion of the legally produced cough syrups to the illicit markets. Inter-state relationships that might have contributed to fueling the racket are also being investigated by investigators.
This move comes after the state government took su motu cognisance of the increasing cases of codeine syrup misuse witnessed in other states and thus tightened the net in Uttar Pradesh.
Senior officers of the police and FSDA are part of the SIT which is headed by the Inspector General of Police, L. R. Kumar. They are mandated to get the extent of the organised racket out and suggest stringent corrective action.
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