Patna: DRI cough syrup seizure operations in Patna led to the recovery of 7,500 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and the arrest of two persons during an anti-drug operation near Rajendranagar Terminal Railway Station.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence intercepted a Tata Intra Pickup truck on May 26 after receiving intelligence inputs about illegal diversion of codeine syrup consignments.
Officials recovered 7,500 bottles of Codeine Phosphate and Triprolidine Hydrochloride Syrup branded as ESkuf from the vehicle. The consignment was allegedly meant for illegal distribution.
Two persons at the spot produced invoices and a consignment note linked to the shipment. However, DRI officers verified the records and found that the consignee firm did not exist at the declared address.
Officials also found that authorities had already cancelled the drug licence linked to the consignee. After the inquiry, officers seized the cough syrup consignment and the transport vehicle under legal provisions.
DRI cough syrup seizure exposes illegal network
The agency arrested both accused under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Officials said investigators were examining the financial network and supply chain linked to the seized consignment.
According to DRI, the operation formed part of its continuing anti-narcotics drive against domestic and cross-border trafficking of narcotic substances.
Investigators are examining the role of firms and individuals linked to the transportation and distribution network of the seized syrup bottles.
Officials said traffickers often divert codeine-based syrups for illegal consumption because of their narcotic content. Therefore, enforcement agencies increased surveillance on suspicious pharmaceutical consignments in recent months.
Authorities also stated that DRI teams were coordinating with other agencies to trace the source and destination of the seized consignment.
Officials indicated that investigators could make more arrests after completing the probe into the supply chain and financial transactions.
