Varanasi Police Seize Assets of Codeine Scam Accomplice in Major Crackdown
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a massive codeine cough syrup smuggling syndicate, the Sonbhadra police have executed a property attachment order against an absconding accomplice. The action targets Vijay Gupta, a key figure linked to the alleged kingpin Shubham Jaiswal, as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle the illicit network.
Court-Ordered Seizure in Kabirchaura Locality
On Friday evening, a specialized team from the Sonbhadra police conducted a raid at Gupta's residence located in the Gola Deenanath area of Varanasi's Kabirchaura locality. The operation was carried out under the directive of the Sonbhadra court, specifically the Special Judge overseeing cases under the SC/ST Act. The court had previously issued an order for the attachment of properties owned by Gupta, who is identified as the proprietor of Shivshakti Pharma—a company allegedly used as a front for operating the smuggling racket.
According to Sonbhadra Superintendent of Police Abhishek Verma, Vijay Gupta has been evading authorities since the case was formally registered in 2025 at the Robertsganj police station. The police team meticulously completed the legal formalities during the raid, making a formal proclamation in the presence of local witnesses to ensure transparency and adherence to procedural norms.
Details of the Attached Movable Properties
The attached assets consist primarily of various household goods, classified as movable properties. This seizure is part of a broader strategy by law enforcement to cripple the financial underpinnings of the syndicate. The codeine cough syrup scam, estimated to be worth multi-thousand crores, has seen several key accused, including Gupta and kingpin Shubham Jaiswal, remain at large despite extensive manhunts.
In related developments, Shubham Jaiswal's father, Bhola Jaiswal, along with several other individuals connected to the case, have already been apprehended by the police. Authorities have also moved to forfeit both movable and immovable properties belonging to multiple accused parties, signaling a comprehensive crackdown on the syndicate's assets.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This latest action underscores the determined efforts of the Sonbhadra police to bring all perpetrators to justice and recover illicit gains. The attachment of Gupta's properties not only aims to disrupt the operational capabilities of the smuggling network but also serves as a deterrent to similar criminal enterprises. As investigations continue, authorities are leveraging all available legal avenues to trace and apprehend the remaining absconding suspects, with a focus on unraveling the full extent of this high-profile scam that has significant implications for public health and safety.
