ED cracks down on ₹1,000 crore multi-state cough syrup racket from UP

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday conducted raids at 25 locations across Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Gujarat in a major money‑laundering probe linked to illegal codeine-based cough syrup trade . The raids targeted properties in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Saharanpur, Ranchi, and Ahmedabad, officials said.

The ED has registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) , following about 30 FIRs filed by the UP Police concerning the misuse, illegal manufacturing, and transport of controlled cough syrups, including suspected cross-border smuggling to Bangladesh. The estimated proceeds of crime are around ₹1,000 crore.

The main accused, Shubham Jaiswal , is reportedly the kingpin of this network, responsible for planning and controlling the manufacture, sale, and distribution of codeine-based cough syrups. His associates include partners, manufacturers, and a chartered accountant, who allegedly helped run the operation and manage finances. Jaiswal is currently absconding in Dubai , while his father has been arrested.

So far, 32 people have been detained, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed. The raids were planned and intelligence-driven, showing a coordinated crackdown on a high-value illegal network.

The case has serious public health implications . Several cough syrups, including Coldrif, Respifresh TR, and ReLife , were linked to child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan due to contamination with diethylene glycol (DEG). Telangana and other states issued alerts, warning against their use, especially for children under two years.