Gangster Act Slapped Against 10 in Codeine Cough Syrup Case

VARANASI — In a major development in the ongoing investigation into a massive ₹2,000 crore codeine-based cough syrup trafficking ring, the Sarnath Police in Varanasi have invoked the stringent Uttar Pradesh Gangster Act against 10 key accused. The sweeping legal move aims to permanently disrupt the operations and financial networks of the inter-district cartel.

Based on the extensive corporate and electronic evidence compiled by the special investigation teams, authorities have formally identified Lokesh Agrawal as the alleged operational leader of this specific sub-group.

An Organized Inter-District Racket

According to police intelligence, the targeted individuals operated as a highly coordinated, organized criminal syndicate specializing in the illegal diversion, stocking, and wholesale trafficking of heavily regulated codeine-based cough syrup.

The network expanded across multiple commercial hubs in Uttar Pradesh, with key members managing logistics from:

• Varanasi

• Prayagraj

• Gorakhpur

• Kanpur

By invoking the Gangster Act, the state has unlocked broader powers for asset forfeiture. Senior officials confirmed that separate administrative proceedings for the immediate attachment and sealing of both movable and immovable properties belonging to the 10 accused are already being drafted.

Masterminds Already Under Scrutiny

The Sarnath Police noted that the broader, multi-jurisdictional investigation has already ensnared the highest layers of the cartel's hierarchy.

The primary kingpin of the overarching syndicate, Shubham Jaiswal, is believed to have fled the country and is currently taking refuge in Dubai. Meanwhile, his father and chief collaborator, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal—who was intercepted and arrested at Kolkata airport—is currently lodged in the Sonbhadra district jail. Both the father and son are already facing isolated, heavy proceedings under separate sections of the Gangster Act and the NDPS Act, which has previously resulted in the freezing of family assets worth tens of crores.

Authorities emphasized that this latest round of charges reflects a continuing, multi-agency offensive designed to systematically dismantle the trafficking network by freezing its operational structure and liquidating its illicit financial assets. The investigation remains active, and supplementary actions will follow pending subsequent court directives.


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