New Delhi– In a series of coordinated operations amid a nationwide push against drug abuse, law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to dismantle smuggling rings dealing in banned intoxicating substances. Over the past few days, multiple raids and arrests have been reported from various states, targeting codeine-based cough syrups, tramadol tablets, and other narcotic pills often misused as recreational drugs. These actions, drawing from police updates and investigations, highlight the growing menace of illicit pharmaceuticals being trafficked interstate and even internationally. Authorities estimate that such substances fuel addiction among youth, with syndicates exploiting lax borders and transport networks. Below is a state-wise overview of the recent breakthroughs.
Jammu & Kashmir
In Poonch district, District Police conducted a major operation on November 6, leading to the arrest of a drug peddler. Tramadol tablets, classified as a controlled narcotic under the NDPS Act, were recovered from the accused. The raid underscores ongoing efforts to curb opioid abuse in border areas, though specific quantities and the peddler’s identity remain undisclosed in initial reports. Police are probing potential cross-border links, given Poonch’s proximity to sensitive zones.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan Police, in collaboration with the Border Security Force (BSF), struck hard against narcotic pill trafficking in Sriganganagar district. In Gharsana, a joint raid resulted in the seizure of 6,000 narcotic pills and the arrest of one accused involved in the illegal trade. Similarly, in Srivijaynagar, authorities recovered 7,400 intoxicating pills, apprehending another suspect. These operations, executed around November 6, targeted suppliers using rural routes for distribution. No estimated values were immediately available, but officials noted the pills’ high street demand, often smuggled from neighboring states.
Punjab
Faridkot Police arrested a young drug peddler on November 6 while he was in the process of supplying narcotics. From his possession, 800 intoxicating pills were seized. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, with investigations revealing the accused’s role in local distribution networks. This bust is part of Punjab’s broader anti-drug campaign, aiming to disrupt supply chains that contribute to the state’s opioid crisis.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh emerged as a hotspot with multiple incidents across districts, focusing on codeine cough syrup smuggling.
In Sonbhadra district, police formed a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe an interstate smuggling racket. While no new seizures were tied directly to the SIT, past operations referenced include over 1.2 lakh bottles worth ₹3.5 crore on October 18 and 1.34 lakh bottles valued at ₹1.25 crore intercepted in Jharkhand.
On November 7, further revelations pointed to a Dubai-based kingpin, Asif, orchestrating the gang from abroad. At least 12 accused have been implicated, with connections to international trafficking routes.
In Jalaun district, authorities raided Ultrafine Chemicals firm for illicit trade in codeine-containing cough medicines, registering an FIR. Separately, in Orai (part of Jalaun), a drug inspector conducted a raid on a vendor illegally selling banned codeine syrup. A large quantity was reportedly involved, with over 21,000 bottles sold illicitly, though exact seizure details are pending. A report has been filed, but no immediate arrests were made.
In Azamgarh district, GRP (Government Railway Police) discovered four unclaimed trolley bags during a routine check on the Godan Express train on November 6. The bags contained cough syrup bottles, raising suspicions of smuggling via railways. No arrests were made as the bags were ownerless, but investigations are ongoing to trace the source and intended recipients.
These cases highlight UP’s vulnerability as a transit hub for banned syrups destined for eastern states and beyond.
Chhattisgarh
Bastar Police in Jagdalpur district executed a swift operation on November 6, arresting two individuals—Karan Yadav from Abdul Kalam Ward and Krishna Kenvat from Kumharpara—who had arrived to sell banned drug capsules. A total of 464 capsules of Pyeevon Spas Plus (containing Dicyclomine HCL and Tramadol) were seized, valued at approximately ₹17,400 in the black market. Acting on a tip-off from November 5, the Bodghat police team, under SP Shalb Kumar Sinha, nabbed the duo near Sargipal Road Railway Siding. Both were remanded to judicial custody after court proceedings under the NDPS Act. The modus operandi involved local sales in tribal areas, exploiting remote locations.
Madhya Pradesh
Under ‘Operation Prahar 2.0’, Madhya Pradesh Police targeted cough syrup smugglers in Maihar (Satna district). On or around November 6, a raid in Itma Khajuri village led to the seizure of 19 bottles of narcotic Onrex cough syrup and the arrest of Kailash Patel (31). The items were valued at about ₹3,828. Patel was presented in a special NDPS court and sent to jail. This follows earlier arrests on November 2 and 5 in Sannehi village, where Nandkishor alias Chhote Bhaiya Patel and Mahendra Singh Patel alias Baba were caught with 286 and 16 bottles of codeine phosphate-based Onrex syrup, respectively. One accomplice remains at large. The operation, led by officers like SHO Mahendra Kumar Mishra, emphasizes continued vigilance against illicit traders.
Another incident under the same operation involved the arrest of a notorious cough syrup smuggler, though specific details on location and quantities were limited in reports.
Tamil Nadu
In Chennai’s Puzhal area (Madanangkuppam), police arrested six individuals on November 6 for smuggling and illegal sale of narcotic painkiller tablets. The accused—Meganathan (19), Vijay (28), Jasmine (29), Rahmadulla (25), Karthik (27), and Karthik alias Stephen Karthik (22)—were nabbed following a tip-off near a sports field. A total of 250 Tydol (or pain relief) tablets were seized. Interrogation revealed prior criminal records, with some having up to eight cases. All were remanded to judicial custody under the NDPS Act. The group operated from Puzhal and Kathirvedu, distributing tablets locally.
These statewide actions reflect a unified resolve by police forces to combat drug peddling, often linked to organized crime. Senior officials across states have vowed to sustain such drives, urging public tips to eradicate the networks. Experts warn that misuse of these substances poses severe health risks, including addiction and overdose, calling for stricter pharma regulations.
