Uttar Pradesh Police and the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) have uncovered more than 10 key suspects involved in a major illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrups. This was revealed on Thursday, December 11, 2025, amid the state's biggest crackdown on this menace. A special investigation team (SIT) formed by the state government is probing the diversion, storage, and trafficking of these cough syrups. The SIT has identified a well-organized network involving manufacturers, distributors, transporters, and local operators across several districts and states. A senior official said, "The probe has so far led to the identification of over a dozen persons believed to be part of the core conspiracy operating across multiple districts and states. Evidence suggests a well-coordinated network involving manufacturers, distributors, transporters and local operators." So far, FIRs have been filed against more than 128 establishments and their operators, making it the government’s largest action against illegal pharmaceutical trafficking in Uttar Pradesh. Raids are ongoing at many locations to catch the suspects. Investigators are also tracing financial records, interstate links, and possible diversions of legally made cough syrup into the black market. The crackdown started after the state government took suo motu notice of codeine misuse incidents reported in other states. Enforcement was then increased across Uttar Pradesh. The SIT, led by Inspector General of Police (Law and Order) L. R. Kumar and senior FSDA officials, continues to examine the racket’s scale and impact. Highlighting the government's strict stance, the official said, "The Chief Minister has taken a very firm view of the matter and has directed that no person involved, irrespective of position or influence, should be spared." Further arrests and revelations are expected as raids and seizures continue.