Major Police Crackdown Targets Codeine Syrup Smuggling Empire in Varanasi
In a significant escalation of their ongoing campaign against narcotics trafficking, the Sonbhadra police have executed a comprehensive seizure operation targeting assets linked to the notorious codeine syrup smuggling network. This latest action represents a determined effort to dismantle the financial infrastructure supporting organized crime in the region.
Expanded Asset Forfeiture and Property Seizures
Authorities have successfully confiscated seven additional immovable properties valued at approximately Rs 4.5 crore, along with four vehicles worth Rs 51 lakh. The operation also resulted in the freezing of a bank account containing Rs 70.9 lakh, effectively cutting off financial resources from the criminal enterprise. This multi-pronged approach demonstrates the police's commitment to attacking the economic foundations of smuggling operations.
Geographical Scope and Property Details
The enforcement teams conducted raids across multiple locations in Varanasi, specifically targeting properties in Madauli and Bharlai within Tehsil Sadar, as well as Jagdishpur in Tehsil Pindra. Investigative findings revealed that the plot in Madauli was registered under the name of Bhola's wife, Sharda, while the Bharlai property was directly in Bhola's name. Furthermore, five plots in Jagdishpur were identified as co-owned by Bhola and his associate, gang member Manoj Yadav.
Vehicle Confiscation and Transportation Assets
Among the seized vehicles were a Fortuner Sigma Legender and a Hyundai i20 Asta, both registered to Bhola Prasad Jaiswal. Additionally, authorities confiscated a scooter belonging to Bhola and another two-wheeler registered under the name of gang member Vaishali Puruswani. This comprehensive vehicle seizure aims to disrupt the logistical capabilities of the smuggling network.
Background of the Codeine Syrup Smuggling Case
The investigation traces back to October 18, 2025, when Sonbhadra police intercepted two trucks transporting substantial quantities of codeine syrup. Subsequent inquiries uncovered a sophisticated network connecting Shubham Jaiswal, his father Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, criminal elements in western Uttar Pradesh, and white-collar accomplices in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Bhola was apprehended at Kolkata airport on November 30, 2025, following intensive surveillance operations.
Previous Asset Attachments and Ongoing Investigations
This recent action builds upon earlier enforcement measures, including the forfeiture of properties worth Rs 28.5 crore belonging to Bhola in Varanasi on January 23. The Varanasi police had previously attached his assets valued at Rs 30.52 crore, with authorities noting significant overlap between properties targeted in both Sonbhadra and Varanasi police actions. Sonbhadra SP Abhishek Verma emphasized that these coordinated efforts form part of a broader strategy to dismantle the economic empires of criminals and drug traffickers operating under the NDPS Act.
Current Status and International Manhunt
While substantial progress has been made in asset recovery and suspect apprehension, key figure Shubham Jaiswal remains at large, reportedly hiding in Dubai. Law enforcement agencies have initiated formal procedures to issue a red corner notice against him through international channels. The police continue to pursue all legal avenues to ensure complete accountability for those involved in this extensive narcotics smuggling operation.
