A special investigation team (SIT) of the Sonbhadra police has uncovered a major fraud involving fake drug and warehouse licences, linking a Jharkhand-based company to a narcotics trade network operating near the Bangladesh border in West Bengal.
Fake Documents Used to Obtain Licences
The investigation focused on Shelly Traders, a company based in Ranchi, Jharkhand, operated by Shubham Jaiswal and Bhola Prasad. The SIT probe, led by Sonbhadra SP Abhishek Verma, revealed that the firm's warehouse and drug licences were obtained by submitting fake documents to the drugs department in Ranchi.
Acting on information sought by the SIT, the assistant director of the Jharkhand drugs department filed a formal case at the Dhurwa (Hatia) police station in Ranchi. The complaint states that Shelly Traders deceptively secured the licences by concealing facts and presenting forged paperwork.
Links to Cross-Border Narcotics Racket
The investigation took a more serious turn when the SIT discovered that the New Phensedyl cough syrup supplied by Shubham Jaiswal and Bhola Prasad's firm was connected to a narcotics racket business. The trail of this illicit trade extends to Siliguri and Darjeeling in West Bengal, regions strategically located near the Bangladesh border.
In connection with this interstate narcotics operation, the NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau) in Siliguri has registered a separate case. The SIT is now scrutinizing the details of the number of cough syrup bottles sent from the Abbott company to Shelly Traders, along with comprehensive transportation records.
Nationwide Manhunt Intensifies
In response to the findings, authorities have issued a fresh lookout notice against wanted accused Nishant Kumar Gupta, also known as Ravi Gupta, a resident of Ward Number 6, Chandni Chowk, Nai Bazar in Bhadohi district. This action adds to the lookout notices already issued against other key suspects, Shubham Jaiswal and Vishal Upadhyay.
The SIT's work is far from over. The team is actively investigating the role of other individuals and firms potentially involved in this complex web of forgery and drug trafficking. The case highlights a sophisticated attempt to use fraudulent regulatory approvals to fuel the illegal narcotics trade across state lines.
