Codeine Smuggling Ring Busted in Lucknow: Key Political Links Exposed

The Lucknow Special Task Force has made a significant breakthrough in tackling the illegal trade of codeine-laced cough syrup by arresting Amit Yadav, a key player involved in the smuggling operation. Yadav, a resident of Varanasi with political ties, was apprehended late Saturday night, according to STF officials.

Yadav is implicated in a larger network suspected of distributing the regulated substance across Uttar Pradesh. He allegedly used his firm GL Surgical to facilitate the sale of over 100,000 bottles of cough syrup. The demand for this intoxicant is notably high in areas such as West Bengal and Bangladesh, making it a lucrative trade.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has linked the accused, including Yadav, to the Samajwadi Party, with some arrested individuals being confirmed members. This connection has raised significant political concerns, as evidence suggests illegal financial transactions connected to the smuggling enterprise. The investigation remains ongoing.