Balrampur Police Arrest Pharma Owner in Codeine Syrup Racket, Probe Widens
In a significant development in Lucknow, the Balrampur police on Monday arrested Varun Lath, the proprietor of Shyam Pharma located in Purani Bazaar. The arrest is linked to the illegal sale of codeine-based cough syrup, a case that has been under investigation for several months. Following his arrest, Lath was produced before a court, which subsequently remanded him to judicial custody, marking a crucial step in the ongoing crackdown on pharmaceutical irregularities in the region.
Ongoing Action and Licence Cancellations
This arrest is part of a broader, sustained effort by authorities to curb the misuse of controlled substances. As part of the ongoing action, licences of Ashok Medical Store and Aman Medical Store were already cancelled in the first phase of the operation. These cancellations underscore the seriousness with which law enforcement is addressing violations related to the sale of codeine-based products, which are often abused for non-medical purposes.
Case Origins and Investigation Progression
The case dates back to November 19, when a drug inspector lodged an FIR against the operators of two medical stores for alleged violations concerning the illegal sale of codeine-based cough syrup. As the investigation progressed, scrutiny widened to include other pharmacies and suppliers suspected of manipulating sales records. This expansion highlights the complexity of the racket and the determination of authorities to uncover all involved parties.
Scrutiny of Shyam Pharma's Records
During verification, Shyam Pharma submitted bills indicating the sale of nearly 15,000 bottles of codeine syrup. However, when police sought original purchase invoices, stock registers, and detailed sale records, the proprietor failed to produce credible and complete documentation. Despite being served repeated notices, the operator could not furnish authentic records, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the transactions.
Arrest and Emerging Complexities
Based on this non-compliance and prima facie evidence of irregularities, police proceeded with his arrest. The probe took a more complex turn after some shopkeepers, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that fake bills were generated in their names without their knowledge. They asserted that they never purchased such large quantities of codeine syrup, suggesting potential fraud or coercion in the supply chain.
Affidavits and Continued Investigation
Some traders indicated that they are preparing to submit affidavits to the police to formally deny the transactions, adding another layer to the investigation. Authorities have made it clear that the investigation will continue until the full extent of the racket is exposed, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring accountability and preventing future violations in the pharmaceutical sector.
