Bhopal cough syrup racket operated through three specialised teams
The Bhopal cough syrup racket was busted by the Special Task Force (STF) after officers raided a property in Gandhinagar and seized more than 50,000 bottles of suspected codeine-based cough syrup worth over Rs 1.58 crore. Ten people, including three minors, have been arrested, while two accused remain absconding..
The operation was carried out in the Gandhinagar area of the state capital, where investigators identified a property in Dobra Patel City Colony as a key hub for the racket. According to STF officials, the network was allegedly orchestrated by Akil Khan, who managed logistics, loading operations and supply routes extending across Bhopal and nearby districts.
DIG STF Rahul Lodha said the organisation functioned through a well-defined structure in which members were assigned specific responsibilities to avoid detection. While some handled transportation and distribution, others were responsible for stock management, packaging and changing product labels before dispatch.
During a raid conducted between Thursday and Friday night, STF personnel recovered approximately 50,400 bottles of suspected codeine-based cough syrup from the premises. Officials estimated the value of the seized stock at more than Rs 1.05 crore. Machinery, packaging equipment, vehicles and other materials used in the operation were valued at an additional Rs 52.5 lakh, taking the total seizure value to more than Rs 1.58 crore.
Investigators said the syndicate allegedly operated through three separate teams. One group managed distribution across urban and rural areas using loading vehicles, while another oversaw storage, transportation and repackaging. Authorities believe the network had been functioning for a considerable period and frequently changed locations to evade law enforcement scrutiny.
The probe has also revealed the alleged involvement of minors in the operation. STF officials said three children were reportedly engaged in packaging work, replacing labels and organising consignments. Authorities are examining how they became associated with the network and whether other individuals were involved in exploiting minors for illegal activities.
According to investigators, the accused allegedly removed original labels from cough syrup bottles and replaced them with alternative packaging before introducing the products into the market. Samples of the seized syrup have been sent for laboratory testing to determine the exact composition and verify regulatory violations.
The investigation has now expanded to Mubarakpur, where STF teams are conducting search operations following leads obtained during the arrests. Officials suspect additional stockpiles and evidence linked to the supply chain may be concealed in the area.
Two suspects remain absconding. The STF has formed two dedicated teams to trace and apprehend them through technical surveillance and location tracking. Officials believe further arrests could reveal the wider network behind procurement, repackaging and interstate distribution.
Investigators are also examining the role of property owners and tenants connected to the premises used for storage. Authorities indicated that questions remain over tenancy verification procedures and whether any individuals were aware of the alleged illegal activity taking place on the property.
Officials maintain that the operation has exposed only one part of what may be a larger organised network operating across Madhya Pradesh. The investigation is now focused on identifying the source of the cough syrup, the channels through which it was repackaged and the districts where it was ultimately distributed.
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