- By Akansha Pandey
- Fri, 21 Nov 2025 06:01 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
The Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) is investigating a massive cross-border smuggling ring involved in the illegal transportation of cough syrup from India to Bangladesh. The syndicate is accused of smuggling syrup worth approximately Rs 300 crore, which is being used for intoxication rather than medicinal purposes in the neighbouring country.
US Pharmaceutical Company Under Scanner
As part of the widening probe, the STF on Thursday issued a second notice to a prestigious American pharmaceutical company. Investigators are determining whether officials from the company have any links to this illicit network.
The Allegation: STF sources reveal that roots of the network extend across India, involving pharmaceutical company officials and various businessmen.
The Product: Phensedyl cough syrup and other codeine-based medicines are being stockpiled in India and supplied to Bangladesh, where they are widely consumed as recreational drugs.
The Smuggling Route
The investigation has uncovered that the supply chain runs through Bihar, Jharkhand, Assam, and West Bengal, serving as transit points before the contraband crosses the international border into Bangladesh.
Arrests And Modus Operandi
The STF recently exposed the Saharanpur link to this network, leading to the arrest of four individuals: Vibhor Rana and his brother Vishal Singh (residents of Shastrinagar), along with Bittu Kumar and his brother Sachin Kumar (residents of Anmol Vihar Colony, with current address in Deoband).
The Scheme: During interrogation, Vibhor Rana and Vishal Singh disclosed that they obtained a dealership from the pharmaceutical company in 2018 under their firm, GR Trading, Saharanpur.
Paper Trail Fraud: They procured drug licences in the names of acquaintances and created fake firms. While the sale and purchase were shown on paper within India, the physical goods were diverted and smuggled to Bangladesh.
Previous Breakthroughs
The current crackdown follows a series of leads:
April 8, 2024: A joint team of the UP STF and the Drug Department arrested a truck driver, Dharmendra Kumar (a resident of Unnao), in Sushant Golf City. 52 boxes of syrup were recovered. The driver confessed the consignment was headed to West Bengal for onward transport to Bangladesh.
December Warning: The STF had previously written a letter demanding a halt to these supplies.
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Official Statement
STF Deputy Superintendent of Police, Lal Pratap Singh, stated that a large network is involved in this operation and the investigation into the matter is ongoing to dismantle the entire chain.
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