Kanpur Nagar Police Cracks Down on Interstate Codeine Syrup Trafficking Network
In a significant breakthrough against organized pharmaceutical crime, the Kanpur Nagar Police announced on Tuesday that they have successfully dismantled a sophisticated interstate racket involved in the illicit trafficking of codeine-based cough syrup. The operation culminated with the arrest of Vinod Agarwal (58) from Haryana on Monday, marking a crucial step in curbing the illegal distribution of controlled substances.
Arrest of Key Accused with Substantial Reward
Vinod Agarwal, who was apprehended by authorities, carried a reward of Rs 50,000 on his head, underscoring his alleged involvement in multiple criminal activities. Police records indicate that Agarwal has similar cases pending against him in districts including Chandauli, Lucknow, and Varanasi, suggesting a widespread network of operations across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
Massive Discrepancies Uncovered in Syrup Transactions
According to Additional DCP, Crime, Anjali Vishwakarma, the investigation unveiled alarming irregularities in the procurement and sale of codeine syrup. "During the probe, it emerged that the accused showed the purchase of only 32,000 bottles through a single bill, while the actual quantity involved was a staggering 89,600 bottles," Vishwakarma revealed. This glaring discrepancy points to a deliberate attempt to conceal the scale of the illegal trade.
Furthermore, the medicines were sold without maintaining any valid records, stock registers, or mandatory medical prescriptions, blatantly violating pharmaceutical regulations. Investigators noted that critical evidence, including billing and transaction-related computer and digital data, had been intentionally removed from the premises. This act clearly indicates a premeditated effort to destroy evidence and obstruct the ongoing investigation.
Well-Organized Network Involving Fake Firms
The probe delved deeper into the modus operandi of the racket, revealing that supplies were routed through several fake and suspicious firms. This strategy points towards a meticulously organized interstate network rather than a localized operation. To verify the authenticity of these entities, letters were dispatched to 47 firms. Most of these letters were returned undelivered, confirming that these firms were fictitious and existed solely on paper to camouflage the illegal supply of medicines categorized under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.
Advanced Investigation Techniques Employed
A formal case was registered at the Collectorate Ganj police station, with the investigation subsequently handed over to the Crime Branch of the Police Commissionerate Kanpur Nagar. Leveraging modern cyber tools, the Crime Branch employed mobile location tracking, digital trail analysis, and network mapping to maintain continuous surveillance on the accused. "Using these advanced techniques, we kept a close watch on Agarwal's activities, which ultimately led to his arrest," stated ADCP Vishwakarma.
Future Steps and Broader Implications
ADCP Anjali Vishwakarma emphasized the commitment to unraveling the entire syndicate. "We will soon seek police custody remand for Vinod Agarwal from the court. Once in custody, we will explore and track his various links within the syrup syndicate to dismantle the network completely," she asserted. This crackdown highlights the persistent efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal drug trade, particularly the trafficking of prescription-based substances that pose significant public health risks.
The bust serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in regulating pharmaceutical supply chains and the need for stringent oversight to prevent such illicit activities. As the investigation progresses, authorities aim to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this extensive interstate racket, ensuring that justice is served and similar operations are thwarted in the future.
