Cough Syrup Case: UP STF Arrests 'Second Mastermind' Alok Singh, Sacked Constable In Lucknow

The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) achieved a significant success in the high-profile Phensedyl cough syrup smuggling case with the arrest of Alok Singh in Lucknow on Tuesday. Singh, a long-time operative in the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrup, had a lookout notice issued against him just a day prior, on Monday.

The Manhunt And Political Connections

Alok Singh is accused of amassing substantial wealth in a short period through smuggling, allegedly under the patronage of a "powerful figure."

Raids and Tracking: On Monday, the STF conducted raids at multiple locations in Purvanchal to apprehend him. Although he initially evaded capture, his location was briefly traced near the residence of a powerful figure in Jaunpur.

The Arrest: Following the failed raids and the issuance of the lookout notice, the STF successfully arrested him in Lucknow on Tuesday.

The Smuggling Syndicate

Alok Singh was working in tandem with the gang's masterminds, Shubham Jaiswal and Amit Singh Tata. The syndicate has faced intense pressure recently:

Shubham Jaiswal: The mastermind has already fled to Dubai.

Family Involvement: Recently, Shubham Jaiswal's father was arrested at Kolkata airport while attempting to flee to Thailand.

Legal Action: The STF had been preparing to issue a formal Lookout Circular (LOC) against Alok Singh prior to his arrest.

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ED Initiates Probe Into Rs 2,000 Crore Money Laundering Angle

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has formally launched an investigation into the financial aspects of this case, which is estimated to be worth over Rs 2,000 crore. The agency has collected data from other investigative bodies to build its case.

Key Findings Of ED’s Preliminary Investigation:

Scale of Operations: The illegal cough syrup smuggling business is valued at over Rs 2,000 crore.

White-Collar Involvement: The probe has indicated the involvement of several white-collar individuals in the syndicate.

Investigation Strategy: The ED has constituted two specialized teams to fast-track the probe:

Financial Analysis Team: Tasked with examining the financial patterns and money trails used in the smuggling operations.

Coordination Team: Responsible for advancing the investigation in coordination with the UP STF and investigative agencies from other states.

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