Varanasi Police Files Charge Sheet in Major Codeine Syrup Smuggling Case
In a significant development in a high-profile narcotics case, the Rohaniya police in Varanasi have formally filed a charge sheet against seven accused individuals. The document was submitted on Thursday in the fast track court of the Additional District Judge (14th Finance Commission). This legal action pertains to a case registered under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, focusing on an extensive codeine syrup smuggling operation.
Accused Named in the Charge Sheet
Special Public Prosecutor (NDPS) Arvind Srivastava confirmed that the charge sheet names the following individuals: Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, Azad Jaiswal, Mahesh Kumar Singh, Dinesh Kumar Yadav, and Ashish Yadav, all residents of Varanasi. Additionally, Shivakant alias Shiv from Kanpur/Ghaziabad and Swapnil Kesari of Chandauli have been implicated. Notably, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal is identified as the father of Shubham Jaiswal, the alleged kingpin of the smuggling syndicate, and is the proprietor of Shelly Traders, a firm central to the investigation.
Background and Seizure Details
The case originated following a major seizure on November 19, 2025, when authorities recovered a substantial quantity of codeine-containing cough syrups. The haul included 18,600 bottles of Phensedyle and 75,150 bottles of Eskuf, totaling over 93,000 bottles. This recovery prompted the Rohaniya police to register a case under the NDPS Act, leading to a thorough investigation that has now culminated in the filing of the charge sheet.
Comprehensive Evidence Collected
Investigators have amassed a robust body of evidence to support the charges. This includes:
- E-way bills and bank statements detailing financial transactions.
- Cash deposit slips and bank CCTV footage capturing the accused's activities.
- Income Tax Return (ITR) examinations and Call Detail Records (CDR) of relevant persons.
- Test reports from the Forensic Science Laboratory in Ramnagar and the drug inspector regarding the seized syrup.
- Reports from pharmaceutical companies Abbott and Lupin, along with toll data of vehicles used in the operation.
- Statements from bank managers, cashiers, and independent witnesses.
Authorities stated, "The evidence conclusively proves that the accused were involved in smuggling codeine-containing cough syrup on a large scale to earn money illegally."
Modus Operandi Unveiled
The charge sheet elaborates on the sophisticated modus operandi employed by the accused. They allegedly created paper or fake firms to facilitate their operations. Cash received through hawala channels was deposited into the bank accounts of these related firms. Subsequently, these funds were transferred to Shelly Traders' account via various other entities, effectively bringing hawala money into legal circulation. On paper, these transactions were disguised as purchases and sales of codeine cough syrup.
Storage and Distribution Network
Stocks of the siphoned codeine cough syrup were reportedly hidden at undisclosed locations under the direction of Shubham Jaiswal, who remains absconding, and his father Bhola. The plan involved secretly transporting these stocks to the Bangladesh border, where they could be sold at prices up to ten times higher than market rates. Cash and fabricated bills were delivered to Dinesh Yadav and Ashish Yadav through Shubham Jaiswal and his assistant, Devesh.
Financial Manipulation and Asset Acquisition
Based on fake bills prepared under Shubham Jaiswal's instructions, large sums of cash were deposited by the accused in various banks on multiple dates. These deposits were made under the names of entities such as Singh Medicos, Alukba, and SP Pharma. The cash was then funneled to Shelly Traders through a network of firms. The accused operated as a large, organized syndicate, engaging in widespread illegal smuggling of codeine cough syrup. From the illicit profits, they acquired both movable and immovable property, demonstrating the scale of their financial gains.
Legal Actions Taken
In response to these activities, authorities have also invoked Section 68 F of the NDPS Act, which pertains to the forfeiture of property derived from or used in illicit traffic. This step underscores the seriousness of the charges and the comprehensive legal approach being taken to dismantle the smuggling network and seize assets linked to the crime.
