Varanasi Police Files Chargesheet in Major Codeine Syrup Smuggling Case
In a significant development in the ongoing crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, Sarnath police in Varanasi have filed a chargesheet against 10 accused individuals involved in a high-profile codeine cough syrup smuggling case. This legal action marks a crucial step in dismantling a sophisticated smuggling syndicate that has been operating across multiple regions.
Accused Individuals Named in Chargesheet
Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Varuna Neetu Kadian confirmed on Monday that the chargesheet includes prominent names such as Bhola Prasad, who is currently jailed and is the father of alleged kingpin Shubham Jaiswal. Other accused named in the document are Vishnu Kumar Pandey, Lokesh Agrawal, Prateek Kumar, and Aakash Pathak from Varanasi, along with Sureshchandra Gupta, Faizur Rahman, Satyendra Kumar Sahu, and Mohammad Saif from Prayagraj, and Vinod Agrawal from Kanpur.
Shubham Jaiswal, identified as the mastermind behind the smuggling operation, remains absconding and is still at large despite intensive police efforts to locate him.
Crucial Evidence Recovered During Investigation
During the thorough investigation, police authorities recovered substantial evidence that has been instrumental in building the case. The seized items include:
- A cheque book and PD Pharma's official stamp
- A letter pad and 120 signed bills
- An ATM card and multiple mobile phones
- A laptop containing potentially incriminating data
These documents and digital devices have provided investigators with critical insights into the operational methods of the smuggling network. The evidence has particularly highlighted the involvement of several businessmen from Kanpur and Prayagraj, expanding the scope of the investigation beyond initial expectations.
Comprehensive Investigation Methodology
The police investigation has been remarkably comprehensive, incorporating multiple streams of evidence to establish a solid case against the accused. Investigators meticulously scrutinized:
- E-way bills and detailed bank statements
- Cash deposit slips and bank CCTV footage
- Income tax returns and call detail records (CDR)
- Forensic reports confirming codeine content in seized cough syrup
- Official reports from pharmaceutical companies
- Toll plaza data tracking movement of contraband
Additionally, statements from bank officials and other relevant persons have been formally recorded and included in the investigation file, adding further weight to the prosecution's case.
Multiple Cases and Ongoing Investigations
This smuggling racket has resulted in multiple cases being registered across different police stations in Varanasi. Cases are currently lodged with Kotwali, Rohania, and Sarnath police stations, indicating the widespread nature of the illegal operation.
Officials have confirmed that chargesheets have now been filed in both the Rohania and Sarnath cases, while investigations continue in other connected matters. This suggests that the police are pursuing a comprehensive strategy to address all aspects of the smuggling network.
Asset Forfeiture and Financial Implications
In a parallel financial action, properties worth over Rs 45 crore belonging to Bhola Prasad (Shubham Jaiswal's father) and their close aide Manoj Yadav have already been forfeited by authorities. Bhola Prasad was arrested from Kolkata airport in November 2025 and remains in judicial custody.
This asset forfeiture represents a significant blow to the financial infrastructure supporting the smuggling operation and demonstrates the authorities' commitment to targeting both the personnel and the economic foundations of such illegal networks.
Broader Context of Codeine Smuggling in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh authorities have launched a major statewide crackdown against the illegal stocking and supply of codeine-based cough syrup, which is a regulated substance. Officials estimate that the illicit trade in this contraband runs into hundreds of crores, highlighting the enormous scale of the problem.
Cough syrup containing codeine is particularly sought after as an intoxicant and enjoys high demand in regions like West Bengal and Bangladesh. This demand creates substantial profit incentives for smuggling networks, making such operations highly lucrative despite the legal risks involved.
The filing of this chargesheet represents a significant milestone in law enforcement efforts to combat organized drug smuggling in the region, though the search for the absconding mastermind continues as investigations progress in related cases.
