Lucknow Trader Arrested for Illegal Codeine Cough Syrup Sale Amid Nationwide Crackdown

Authorities in Lucknow have arrested a local trader, Deepak Manwani, for allegedly selling codeine-based cough syrups and other banned narcotic drugs illegally. The arrest follows a nationwide crackdown on the misuse and unregulated sale of cough syrups, intensified after the tragic Coldrif incident in Madhya Pradesh that claimed the lives of 22 children.

During a raid at Manwani’s residence in VIP Road, Alambagh, officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recovered a significant stock of restricted psychotropic medicines. Investigations revealed Manwani had connections to suppliers in the Aminabad medicine market, including Suraj Mishra of New Mangalam Agency and chemist Monty Sardar, from whom he allegedly procured the drugs without proper bills. The syrups were reportedly sold at inflated prices to addicts, highlighting the illicit nature of the operation.

The FDA has registered a case under the NDPS Act and is conducting further raids to uncover the broader supply chain involved in the illegal trade.

This crackdown comes in the wake of the Coldrif cough syrup tragedy, where syrups manufactured by Sresan Pharmaceutical in Tamil Nadu were found to contain 46.28% diethylene glycol (DEG), a toxic chemical that caused acute kidney failure in children. Investigations revealed lapses in compliance by both Sresan Pharma and the Tamil Nadu FDA, prompting CDSCO to enforce stricter inspections and mandatory DEG and ethylene glycol testing in drug formulations nationwide.

The Union Health Secretary, Punya Salila Srivastava, has also convened high-level meetings with state authorities to ensure stricter quality control measures and prevent the irrational use of cough syrups in children.

The Lucknow arrest marks a critical step in India’s continued efforts to curb illegal distribution of narcotic medicines and ensure public health safety.