Cracking down on a large network of illegal smuggling of codeine-based cough syrup, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has expanded its investigation beyond Uttar Pradesh to Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana and Jharkhand. The role of many players from pharma companies to the supply chain is coming to light in this estimated multi-crore racket. The agency has also sought complete records of the action taken so far from the Food Safety and Drugs Administration (FSDA).
According to the agency, a case has been registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the basis of more than 30 FIRs registered in several districts of UP. The investigation has now extended to the companies that produced the codeine-based syrup, as well as the private suppliers who allegedly facilitated illegal diversion and trafficking. The ED is also identifying FSDA officials who are suspected of patronizing the racket.
Main accused Shubham Jaiswal has been summoned for questioning on December 8. The notice was pasted at his Varanasi residence on Wednesday. It is being told that Jaiswal’s company Sally Traders was playing an important role in purchasing huge quantities of syrup from many states and diverting it to Nepal and Bangladesh.
Investigation has also revealed that more than 118 FIRs have been registered in many districts of UP. 38 cases have been reported in Varanasi, 16 in Jaunpur, eight in Kanpur Nagar, six in Ghazipur, four in Lakhimpur Kheri and three in Lucknow. In many districts, fake billing was done using shell firms, due to which syrup worth crores could be taken out without any record.
Preliminary findings show that the illegal consignments were purchased from two companies from Himachal Pradesh, three from Uttarakhand, and one each from Haryana and Jharkhand. The consignments destined for Nepal were routed through Lucknow, Kanpur, Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich, while firms from Varanasi and Ghaziabad were smuggling in the direction of Bangladesh.
ED will soon interrogate the jailed accused Alok Singh and Amit Singh Tata. Both are accused of operating smuggling channels in collaboration with Jaiswal. Two chartered accountants, Tushar and Vishnu Agarwal, are also under investigation, accused of hiding black money by manipulating accounts.
On the other hand, STF is conducting raids in search of Vikas Singh Narve. Narve, a resident of Azamgarh, has been absconding for five days and every time he is running away just before the police arrive. He is accused of increasing political contacts and becoming the coordinator of the racket. There are fears that he may flee abroad, especially Dubai. ED and STF believe that this network is very big and once the layers of financial transactions are revealed, many more big names can come to light.
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