Son of Kanpur Gang Leader Arrested in Major Drug Smuggling Operation
In a significant breakthrough, Kanpur police have arrested Shivam Agrawal, the son of notorious gang leader Vinod Agrawal, in connection with a widespread codeine-laced cough syrup smuggling case. Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal announced the arrest on Saturday, revealing details of a sophisticated drug network spanning multiple states and international borders.
Nationwide Smuggling Network Uncovered
Shivam Agrawal, who carried a bounty of Rs 25,000, played a pivotal role in smuggling codeine-laced cough syrup across India and into neighboring Bangladesh. According to police investigations, the gang systematically supplied these controlled substances to Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Bangladesh through elaborate channels.
"This arrest marks the sixth apprehension in our ongoing operation against this drug syndicate," stated Commissioner Lal. "Eleven individuals were originally wanted in eight separate cases related to this network."
Five-Month Manhunt Ends with Arrest
The police commissioner detailed how Shivam Agrawal had been evading capture for the past five months, prompting authorities to issue a lookout notice against him. Law enforcement agencies tracked his movements through Delhi, Gurugram, Rajasthan, and Prayagraj before finally apprehending him.
In a desperate attempt to avoid detection, Shivam discarded his iPhone on the road just two days before his arrest. Police records indicate he had recently visited Khatu Shyam for pilgrimage during his time on the run.
Father Already in Custody
Vinod Agrawal, the alleged mastermind of the operation, is currently lodged in Kanpur Jail under court orders. He faces charges under case number 87/2025 at Thana Collectorganj, Kanpur Nagar, registered under sections 132/318(4)/338/336(3)/340(2) of the Indian Penal Code and additional sections 21(C)/26 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
How the Case Unfolded
The investigation began when the Drug Inspector's office in Kanpur Nagar sent a letter to Collectorganj police station, triggering a special campaign against the illegal use, storage, and sale of codeine-laced cough syrup.
On July 11, 2025, a joint team of drug inspectors conducted a surprise inspection at Deshbandhu Agrawal Brothers, located at 59/26-27 Pheelkhana Road, Kanpur Nagar. During the inspection, conducted in the presence of proprietor Vinod Agrawal, authorities discovered:
- A large quantity of medicines containing codeine, tramadol, tapentadol, and alprazolam
- Evidence that these controlled substances were being stored and sold illegally
Due to the misuse of these NDPS-category medicines, the firm was instructed to provide complete purchase and sale details every 15 days and obtain verification from purchasing firms.
Fake Firms and Suspicious Transactions
Investigators soon discovered that Deshbandhu Agrawal Brothers had sold unusually large quantities of NDPS-category medicines to selected firms. When verification letters were sent to 47 firms, 21 were found to be non-existent or had incorrect addresses, indicating medicines were being supplied through fake entities.
A re-inspection on March 15, 2025, revealed that Deshbandhu Agrawal Brothers had purchased 89,600 bottles of codeine-laced Eskuf Syrup (100 ml) from Deshbandhu Corporate Pharmaceuticals India Ltd in Lucknow through three separate invoices. The entire stock was sold the very next day to Deshbandhu A K Healthcare in Kanpur and Prayagraj, a transaction officials described as highly suspicious.
Evidence Destruction Attempt
On November 11, 2025, following orders from the Commissioner of the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) in Uttar Pradesh, authorities conducted another re-inspection. This time, Vinod Agrawal was absent, and computers and laptops used for record-keeping had been removed from the premises, preventing verification of sales records.
Officials interpreted this as an attempt to destroy evidence and obstruct government work, leading to a formal case registration by complainant Drug Inspector Om Pal.
Shivam Agrawal's Role Revealed
During interrogation, Shivam Agrawal confessed to creating fake invoices in the name of Shriram Medical Agency to facilitate the illegal smuggling of codeine-laced cough syrup and other intoxicating drugs to various states and districts within Uttar Pradesh.
Police investigations further revealed that Shivam's registered firm, Max Pharmaceuticals, had purchased 76,50,000 bottles of codeine-laced cough syrup worth approximately Rs 42 crore from Wings Biotech in Himachal Pradesh over the last 14 months. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the final destinations of these massive drug shipments.
The Kanpur Nagar Commissionerate's special campaign against the illegal use, storage, and sale of codeine-laced cough syrup continues as police work to dismantle the entire network and bring all involved parties to justice.
