Interpol Issues Red Corner Notice for Fugitive Codeine Kingpin Shubham Jaiswal in Dubai
The likelihood of an early arrest for fugitive codeine syrup smuggling syndicate kingpin Shubham Jaiswal from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates has significantly increased after Interpol issued a red corner notice in this high-profile case. This development marks a critical step in international law enforcement cooperation to bring the accused to justice.
Official Confirmation and Legal Proceedings
Confirming the issuance of the red corner notice, DCP Varuna Zone Pramod Kumar expressed optimism that Shubham Jaiswal would be apprehended soon under the provisions of the notice. He emphasized that the extradition process would follow, leading to the commencement of his trial in Varanasi. The red corner notice serves as a global alert to law enforcement agencies worldwide, facilitating the location and provisional arrest of the fugitive pending extradition.
Multi-Agency Investigation and Court Declarations
The investigation into this extensive smuggling operation involves multiple police units and a dedicated special investigation team (SIT). Cases related to codeine syrup smuggling are registered at Kotwali, Rohaniya, and Sarnath police stations, with the SIT probing the multi-thousand-crore scam that has rocked the region. In all three cases, Shubham Jaiswal, who departed India on 5 November 2025 from Kolkata to Dubai, has been formally declared a fugitive by the court.
In the specific case registered by Rohaniya police under sections of the NDPS Act, all legal proceedings, including the filing of the charge sheet, were completed by 12 February. When Shubham failed to appear in court, he was officially declared a fugitive, prompting investigators to escalate the matter to international authorities.
International Cooperation and Arrests
Following the court declaration, investigators requested Interpol, through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) acting as India’s National Central Bureau (NCB), to issue a red corner notice for his arrest and extradition. This move underscores the seriousness of the charges and the commitment to pursuing justice across borders.
Since actions began against Shubham Jaiswal and his syndicate members in November 2025, police have made substantial progress, arresting a total of 30 accused individuals. Notable arrests include his father, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, highlighting the syndicate's deep-rooted network. Authorities have also seized property worth approximately Rs 45 crore, dealing a significant blow to the illicit operations.
Uncovering Broader Criminal Connections
Further investigation has revealed that the syndicate's activities extend beyond codeine syrup smuggling, with connections in hawala transactions, liquor trade, and other illicit businesses across several Indian states. This discovery points to a complex web of criminal enterprises that law enforcement agencies are diligently working to dismantle.
The issuance of the red corner notice by Interpol not only intensifies the hunt for Shubham Jaiswal but also sends a strong message about India's resolve to combat organized crime and drug trafficking on a global scale. As authorities await his arrest, the focus remains on ensuring a swift extradition and a fair trial in Varanasi to address the grave allegations against him.
