Cough Syrup Black Market Soars: Codeine Syrups Pricier Than Liquor in MP's Vindhya
In a startling development in parts of Madhya Pradesh's Vindhya region, codeine-based cough syrups have become more expensive than branded liquor on the black market. Prices have skyrocketed to nearly Rs 1,000 per bottle, following an intense police crackdown aimed at curbing drug abuse.
Operation Prahaar: A Major Blow to Narcotics Trade
Under 'Operation Prahaar', launched on the directions of IG (Rewa range) Gaurav Rajput, police across the division have been relentless in their efforts. Between January 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, authorities registered 705 NDPS cases, arresting 1,142 accused and seizing a massive haul of narcotics.
The seizures include over 75,000 bottles of banned codeine-based cough syrup, along with 2,773 kg of ganja, more than 4 lakh intoxicant tablets and capsules, opium, heroin, and other drugs. The total value of these confiscations exceeds Rs 5.38 crore, highlighting the scale of the illegal trade.
Impact on Addiction and Supply Chains
IG Gaurav Rajput emphasized the commitment to eradicating this menace, stating, "We will not stop till we free this pious land of Vindhya from the menace of cough syrup addiction. Now, it is not readily available in markets. And we have eradicated it by more than 80%, but the crackdown will continue till there is a full stop."
Of the total seizure value, cough syrups and intoxicant tablets alone constitute nearly one-third, worth Rs 1.71 crore. This exposure reveals a deeply entrenched network where prescription medicines were being diverted for abuse, with supply chains now severely choked.
Changing Consumption Patterns and Health Concerns
With enforcement agencies tightening their grip, the illegal trade has taken a significant hit, reflected in soaring street prices and shifting consumption patterns. Shivakant Awasthi, a psychologist associated with a de-addiction centre in Rewa for nearly a decade, noted, "The condition is such that even now on an average every month we get around 10 patients who are addicted to the banned cough syrup. However, now due to the strict measures by police, a lot of addicts are shifting to other narcotics. It is heard that due to the pressure the cost of syrup has increased to as much as Rs 1,000 per bottle in the black market."
He added a grave warning about the dangers of this addiction, saying, "The addiction of banned cough syrups is so dangerous that in my nearly 10 years of career I have not seen any patient aged above 35 years. This means that people who become addicts cannot survive longer. Normally it starts as an experiment and hobby and then becomes an addiction. An addict consumes 3-4 bottles of syrup a day."
The crackdown has not only disrupted supply but also forced addicts to seek alternatives, underscoring the persistent challenge of drug abuse in the region. Authorities remain vigilant, with ongoing efforts to completely stamp out this illicit trade and protect the community from its devastating effects.
