Kanpur Medical Store Operator Arrested in Major Codeine Syrup Trafficking Operation
The Kanpur crime branch has made a significant arrest in connection with a widespread illegal pharmaceutical trafficking network. Sumit Kesarwani, a resident of Dev Nagar and operator of Balaji Medical Store, was apprehended for his alleged involvement in the illegal trafficking of codeine-containing cough syrup.
Reward Announcement Leads to Arrest
Police authorities had announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for information leading to Kesarwani's capture after he had been absconding. The crime branch conducted an extensive search operation that ultimately resulted in his arrest. This development comes as part of a broader crackdown on pharmaceutical diversion in the region.
Sophisticated Trafficking Network Uncovered
Investigations have revealed a complex operation where the accused allegedly purchased codeine-containing cough syrup from Idika Lab Sciences in Lucknow. Police reports indicate that Kesarwani would acquire the syrup at wholesale prices of Rs 45-48 per bottle only to resell them for Rs 150-160 to individuals seeking the substance for addiction purposes.
What makes this case particularly concerning is the scale of distribution. Despite having his retail license suspended in 2024, Kesarwani allegedly continued to supply codeine-containing cough syrup to approximately 74 medical stores throughout Kanpur, creating a widespread network for diverted pharmaceuticals.
Major Raid Uncovers Violations
DCP Crime Shravan Kumar Singh provided detailed information about the investigation. On October 12, 2025, drug inspectors conducted a raid at Balaji Medical Store located in Devnagar under the Raipurwa police station jurisdiction.
The raid uncovered multiple violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, including:
- Supply of codeine-containing cough syrup without valid records
- Absence of proper stock registers
- Distribution without doctor's prescriptions
Massive Quantities of Pharmaceuticals Involved
The investigation revealed staggering numbers regarding the scale of this operation. Police discovered that Kesarwani had allegedly purchased:
- 55,671 bottles of codeine-containing cough syrup
- 1.2 lakh Alprazolam tablets
These acquisitions were reportedly made through manipulated billing, questionable transactions, and illegal means. During the raid, authorities seized 2,100 bottles of syrup and 10,800 tablets, with a case subsequently registered against Kesarwani at Raipurwa police station.
Connection to Larger Criminal Network
Further interrogation revealed connections to a broader criminal enterprise. Kesarwani allegedly purchased 228 bottles of Jijsirex syrup and other medicines worth approximately Rs 1.59 lakh from Vinod Agrawal, identified as the kingpin of the codeine-containing syrup business who is currently incarcerated.
Additionally, the accused sourced medicines from Arpik Pharma Manufacturing Company, distributing them both wholesale and retail throughout the city. Investigators noted that Kesarwani deliberately deleted digital data in an attempt to obstruct the investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Two separate cases have been registered against the accused at Kidwai Nagar and Raipurwa police stations. A report was also filed at Sarojininagar police station in Lucknow against Idika Lab for illegal storage of controlled substances.
Following his arrest and interrogation, Sumit Kesarwani has been sent to jail as legal proceedings continue. This case highlights ongoing concerns about pharmaceutical diversion and the illegal drug trade exploiting legitimate medical supply chains.
The arrest represents a significant victory for drug enforcement authorities in Kanpur, though it also underscores the challenges of regulating pharmaceutical distribution and preventing the diversion of controlled substances for illicit purposes.
