₹38-Crore Assets of Cough Syrup 'Mafia' to be Seized in Varanasi Crackdown
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The Varanasi Police are set to seize assets worth ₹38 crore linked to Shubham Jaiswal, a key figure in the alleged codeine-laced cough syrup racket. A Special Investigation Team has identified Jaiswal's properties and assets, and a court has issued a notice to provide details within a week. If the required information is not provided, the properties will be sealed. The investigation is part of a larger probe into the diversion of highly regulated cough syrups, which have been linked to several deaths across the country. Uttar Pradesh Police have registered 79 cases, named 225 people, and arrested 78 accused in connection with the alleged network. Codeine-based syrup is not manufactured in Uttar Pradesh, but rather in states like Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The state's wholesalers and stockists are suspected to be involved in diverting the syrup to states and countries where prohibition exists, leading to its misuse. The state government has assured that the cases are being taken up under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, and that strict action will be taken against those involved in the alleged racket.
