Varanasi Police Raid Drug Trader’s House in Codeine Syrup Case, Seize Key Evidence; Accused Absconding

VARANASI: Intensifying the crackdown on the illicit drug trade, the Varanasi Police conducted a late-night raid at the residence of Prashant Upadhyay, a close associate of the main accused in the high-profile Codeine Cough Syrup case, Shubham Jaiswal.

The Operation: Led by ACP (Crime) Vijay Pratap Singh, a joint team from Kotwali, Adampur, and Ramnagar police stations searched Prashant’s house in the Madrauli (Manduadih) area for over two hours. Prashant, who owns 'Radhika Enterprises' and 'Rajendra Drug Agency', is currently absconding.

Seizures & Evidence: Although Prashant was not found, police seized significant incriminating evidence, including:

Fake documents and financial records.

Codeine syrup wrappers and vials.

Laptops and pen drives containing transaction details.

The Connection: Police are investigating Prashant's links to Shubham Jaiswal and a firm named 'Shaili Traders'. It is suspected that Prashant, a major player in the Saptasagar Medicine Market, facilitated transaction worth crores in the illegal syrup trade under FIR number 235/2025.