Varanasi Police Make Major Breakthrough in Codeine Syrup Syndicate Case
Police in Varanasi achieved a significant breakthrough on Monday evening. They arrested the wanted cousin of a codeine syrup syndicate kingpin. Another key member of the operation surrendered in court the same day. These developments bring the total number of people apprehended in this case to nine. All nine individuals now remain behind bars as the investigation continues.
Arrest of Pharma Owner Reveals Family Links
Kotwali police successfully arrested Aditya Jaiswal on Monday. Jaiswal owns Shriswastik Pharma located in the Saptasagar medicine market. DCP (Crime) T Sarvanan confirmed the arrest. Sarvanan leads the special investigation team probing the codeine syrup episode.
Investigators discovered Aditya Jaiswal's involvement through a crucial piece of evidence. Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) officials and police tracked a bank deposit slip. This slip bore Aditya's name and contact number. It showed a substantial deposit of Rs 1 crore. This discovery prompted a deeper probe into his activities.
How the Family Business Operated
During initial questioning, Aditya Jaiswal provided details about his involvement. He revealed he operated Shriswastik Pharma for eight years. Approximately two years ago, his cousin Shubham Jaiswal and father Bhola Prasad Jaiswal recruited him. Bhola Prasad had established Shaily Traders in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Shubham Jaiswal then created Shiv Enterprises as part of a criminal conspiracy. This entity generated fake tax invoices and electronic bills. These documents facilitated the smuggling of codeine-based cough syrup. The firm never actually received any stock of the syrup. However, paperwork showed transactions and transportation. The actual consignments went elsewhere for sale at inflated profits.
Aditya Jaiswal received a specific assignment within this scheme. Shubham and Bhola tasked him with depositing cash for Shiv Inter Enterprises. The bank's branch manager later confirmed this transaction conducted by Aditya.
Surrender of Another Accused
Before police could arrest Aditya Jaiswal, another development unfolded. Accused Rahul Yadav managed to evade Kotwali police. He reached court and surrendered on Monday afternoon. Police had been searching for Yadav after gathering evidence against him. This evidence indicated he deposited Rs 7.5 crore across various banks after connecting with Shubham Jaiswal.
An FIR was registered at Kotwali police station on November 15, 2025. It named 28 people, including Rahul Yadav who carried a cash reward. Police had publicly announced this reward for information leading to his capture.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
DCP Sarvanan stated that Aditya Jaiswal knew about the illegal activities. He was aware his cousin Shubham and the syndicate traded codeine syrup unlawfully. Despite this knowledge, he continued working with them in a planned manner. Police obtained concrete evidence when he deposited the Rs 1 crore cash.
With these latest actions, nine accused now sit behind bars. The hunt continues for the main kingpin, Shubham Jaiswal. The cash reward for information on Shubham has reached Rs 75,000. Authorities have also initiated the process to confiscate properties belonging to Shubham and Bhola Prasad Jaiswal. This case highlights ongoing efforts to dismantle organized drug networks in the region.
