IN A major crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, police have busted an organised gang involved in the smuggling and illegal sale of codeine-based cough syrup under the guise of pharmaceutical distribution. Four accused have been arrested, and contraband along with other materials worth approximately Rs 5 lakh has been seized. Police sources informed that the joint operation was carried out by Smriti Nagar outpost police and the Anti Cyber Crime Unit (ACCU) following a tip-off. Acting on the information, police intercepted a Santro car near Junwani-Khamhariya Road in Bhilai and detained three suspects transporting the contraband.

 

During the search, officials recovered 800 bottles of banned codeine-based CADIFOS-T syrup packed in seven cartons. Upon interrogation, the accused—identified as Yogesh Sharma (41) and Umesh Kumar Yadav (42)—revealed that they had procured the syrup illegally using forged drug licenses. Police investigation further uncovered that the kingpin, Yogesh Sharma, had manipulated a genuine drug license through digital editing to create a fake license in his name. Using forged letterheads and seals, the gang ordered the narcotic syrup from a Gujarat-based company via online platforms such as IndiaMART and courier services.

 

The illegally procured syrup was then sold at higher prices to local associates and youth, contributing to substance abuse in the area. Further investigation led to the arrest of two more accused, Mahaveer Jain alias Rohit (38) and Satish Meshram (40), who were actively involved in distribution. The accused have been booked under sections 8(B), 22, 27(A), and 29 of the NDPS Act. Police confirmed that the gang was operating a well-organised supply chain aimed at generating illegal profits while promoting drug addiction among youth. Police have urged citizens to report any information related to illegal narcotics, banned drugs, or suspicious activities. They emphasized their commitment to taking strict legal action against those involved in drug trafficking and appealed for public cooperation in keeping youth away from substance abuse.