Ghaziabad Police Seize Rs 2 Crore Assets in Major Cough Syrup Smuggling Crackdown
In a significant move against organized crime, the Ghaziabad police have attached properties valued at approximately Rs 2 crore belonging to Saurabh Tyagi, the owner of RS Pharma in Indirapuram. Tyagi is alleged to be a key member of a cross-border cough syrup smuggling racket that was dismantled last year. The attached assets include three commercial shops and four vehicles, marking a crucial step in the financial investigation into the illicit operation.
Details of the Racket and Arrests
Saurabh Tyagi was among eight individuals arrested on November 4, 2025, in connection with the smuggling network. The bust occurred when authorities intercepted four trucks parked on Meerut Road, seizing a staggering 1,150 cartons of cough syrup. This haul included 850 cartons of Eskuf and 300 cartons of Phensedyl, cleverly concealed between sacks of lime. At the time of the seizure, the syrups had an estimated market value of Rs 3.4 crore.
In addition to the cough syrup, police recovered Rs 20 lakh in cash, a Hyundai Creta vehicle, and strips of Tapentadol extended-release tablets. Tapentadol, along with carisoprodol, are classified as Schedule H1 drugs in India, with their manufacture and export banned due to their highly addictive opioid properties.
Codeine and Its Dangers
The racket primarily involved codeine-based cough syrups. Codeine is categorized as a narcotic drug and functions as a mild opioid. In high doses, it can induce euphoria and lead to severe dependence, posing significant public health risks. This case highlights the ongoing battle against the misuse of such substances in the region.
International Context and Tragic Consequences
The smuggling operation gained notoriety following international incidents where Indian-manufactured syrups contaminated with diethylene glycol (DEG) were linked to fatalities. In 2023, tainted syrups were associated with the deaths of 70 children in The Gambia and 18 in Uzbekistan. More recently, last year, at least 20 children under the age of five died in Madhya Pradesh after consuming cough syrup laced with high levels of DEG, a toxic industrial solvent.
Investigators allege that Tyagi led the racket's operations, overseeing the procurement and distribution of banned cough syrups across the National Capital Region (NCR) through his firm. Evidence suggests that these syrups were intended for smuggling into Bangladesh, indicating a transnational dimension to the crime.
Financial Probe and Mismatch in Assets
DCP (city zone) Dhawal Jaiswal stated that a thorough financial investigation revealed a significant discrepancy between Tyagi's declared income and his accumulated assets. This mismatch prompted the attachment of his properties under relevant legal provisions, aiming to cripple the economic foundations of the smuggling network.
The case underscores the persistent challenges in combating drug trafficking and the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies to address such cross-border criminal activities.
