Uttar Pradesh Police Unveils Drug Trafficking Network Linked to Cough Syrup Smuggling

A recent investigation by the Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Investigation Team has uncovered a significant drug trafficking network linked to the smuggling of codeine cough syrup. The report, submitted to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, implicates Vibhor Rana and highlights the involvement of illegal hawala channels in the operation. The findings suggest that the smuggling routes extend through several states, with connections to a broader criminal network. This investigation raises serious concerns about drug trafficking and its implications for public health and safety in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 14:54 IST

Investigation Report Submitted to Chief Minister

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Uttar Pradesh Police has presented its findings to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath regarding the smuggling of codeine cough syrup. The report indicates that a gang is involved in the manipulation of drug shipments across borders, along with money laundering and organized crime activities. According to the SIT, the alleged mastermind, Vibhor Rana, was granted a license in 2016. The report claims that the companies engaged in the production and distribution of cough syrup received their licenses during the tenure of the previous Samajwadi Party government led by Akhilesh Yadav.

Impact of Actions Against Local Madrasas

The SIT noted that actions taken against madrasas near the Nepal border have directly impacted smuggling operations, forcing Vibhor and his associates to temporarily halt cross-border trafficking. The report further states that after a thorough investigation, Vibhor contacted the pharmaceutical company Abbott to request the return of approximately one crore bottles of cough syrup. Investigators have discovered that significant shipments linked to Vibhor's associates, Saurabh and Pappan, were seized in western Uttar Pradesh.

Allegations of Intentional Smuggling

The report alleges that a portion of Vibhor's stock was deliberately sent to Shubham Jaiswal for smuggling purposes. Subsequently, a large consignment of cough medicine was recovered from a warehouse in Varanasi belonging to Jaiswal's associate, Manoj Yadav. The SIT's findings highlight the involvement of a hawala network in this operation, indicating that both the transfer of shipments and financial transactions were conducted through illegal hawala channels.

Network Involvement and Broader Smuggling Routes

Reportedly, the smuggling routes passed through Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand, ultimately reaching the Nepal-bordering districts of Uttar Pradesh. The investigation also revealed the involvement of a network led by Changur Baba, who is accused of running a conversion racket in the Nepal-bordering areas of Uttar Pradesh. According to the SIT report, this network was allegedly utilized for the smuggling of cough medicine.