Mumbai Drug Seizure: Over 15,000 Codeine Syrup Bottles, 1 Kg Charas; 2 Arrested

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai, has seized more than 15,000 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, Tramadol tablets and 1.060 kg of charas in two separate operations targeting alleged interstate drug-trafficking networks. Two persons were arrested in connection with the operations, while investigators have identified additional suspects and are continuing efforts to trace them.

In the first operation, conducted on August 8, the NCB seized 1,080 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup weighing 108 kg and arrested N Shaikh in Mumbai. Officials said the consignment was allegedly being transported on a passenger bus operating between Gujarat and Mumbai. The medicines were reportedly intended for distribution in Mumbai, Bhiwandi and adjoining areas.

Following interrogation, investigators identified a Gujarat-based distributor and launched surveillance in the state. An NCB team subsequently traced the distributor and searched a godown in Vadodara, where it recovered another 13,938 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and 12,240 Tramadol tablets. Officials also found that batch numbers on several syrup bottles had allegedly been tampered with, while fake invoices and other documents reportedly linked to the diversion of prescription medicines were seized.

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The NCB said N Shaikh, who primarily operated in the Bhiwandi area of Thane district, had previously been arrested in another case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act by Maharashtra Police. The Gujarat-based distributor is also reportedly wanted in NDPS cases registered by police. The agency is investigating the wider network and the alleged diversion and distribution of prescription-based medicines.

In a separate operation on August 12, the NCB seized 1.060 kg of charas during a search of a house in Ghatkopar and arrested A J Shaikh. Officials said the substance was allegedly concealed among household articles and had been procured for sale in Mumbai and neighbouring areas. During interrogation, investigators reportedly learned that the accused and her associates intended to take advantage of reduced charas availability ahead of the festive season and sell it at higher prices.

The NCB said several other associates have been identified and efforts are underway to trace them. The agency also noted that codeine-based medicines and Tramadol have legitimate medical uses but can pose serious health risks when misused or consumed without medical supervision, including dependence and potentially severe complications. Investigations into both cases are continuing as the agency works to establish the full extent of the alleged trafficking networks.

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