Varanasi SIT Expands Probe to Target Properties of Codeine Racket Associates
In a significant escalation of the crackdown on the multi-crore codeine cough syrup smuggling network, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Varanasi commissionerate police has initiated a comprehensive process to compile detailed lists of properties belonging to associates of the syndicate. This development follows the recent forfeiture of assets from the family of the alleged kingpin, Subham Jaiswal, including his incarcerated father, Bhola Prasad Jaiswal, and other relatives.
Police Commissioner Issues Directives for Intensified Action
During a review meeting held on Saturday evening to assess the progress of the investigation, Police Commissioner Mohit Agrawal issued stringent directives to accelerate the identification and seizure of illegally acquired properties. The SIT has been specifically instructed to gather exhaustive information about both movable and immovable assets of Shubham Jaiswal's close associates, who are either under arrest or currently absconding.
Commissioner Agrawal emphasized that the properties would be targeted for forfeiture under Section 68(F) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Section 107 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS). "We are leaving no stone unturned to dismantle this network financially," Agrawal stated, revealing that parallel investigations are also focusing on a suspected hawala network operating from the Bangladesh international border, which is believed to be connected to the racket.
Substantial Seizures and Arrests Made So Far
The police have already achieved considerable milestones in this high-profile case. The investigation has led to the discovery of two clandestine warehouses, from which authorities recovered a staggering 1,19,700 bottles of illegally manufactured codeine-laced cough syrup, with an estimated market value of Rs 2.63 crore.
Law enforcement agencies have taken decisive action against the accused:
- A total of 28 individuals have been arrested in connection with the smuggling operation.
- Financial measures include the freezing of 65 bank accounts containing approximately Rs 5.7 crore.
- Eight immovable properties, collectively valued at Rs 30.47 crore, have been attached by the authorities.
To apprehend the fugitives, a Look Out Circular has been issued against 40 accused persons, while a Blue Corner Notice has been activated specifically for the two main accused, Aakash Pathak and Shubham Jaiswal.
International Smuggling Routes Disrupted
The scope of the racket extended beyond domestic borders, with significant interdictions at the international level. Commissioner Agrawal confirmed that 71 consignments of the illicit cough syrup were intercepted while being smuggled into Bangladesh through routes in West Bengal and Tripura. These seizures were executed through coordinated efforts involving the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Border Security Force (BSF), West Bengal Police, and Tripura Police.
Legal Action Under PITNDPS Act to Be Pursued
In a move to ensure stringent legal consequences, the authorities have affirmed that action will be taken under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act, 1988, against Shubham Jaiswal and other key accused involved in what is being described as an organized crime syndicate. This legislation empowers the government to detain individuals to prevent them from engaging in illicit drug trafficking activities.
The intensified focus on asset forfeiture represents a strategic shift aimed at crippling the financial backbone of the smuggling network, signaling a robust and multi-pronged approach by the Varanasi police to eradicate this dangerous trade from the region.
