ED Cracks Down on Illegal Codeine Syrup Trade, Raids Across Multiple States
Shimla/Jammu, February 17: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted a massive search operation on February 13 across multiple locations in Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
The operation targeted individuals and entities involved in the illegal sale and diversion of codeine-based cough syrups (CBCS), a substance widely abused by drug addicts.
The ED launched its probe based on an FIR filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Jammu, which implicated Rais Ahmad Bhat in the illegal trade of CBCS.
Investigations revealed that CBCS syrups, marketed under the brand name “Cocretus,” were sourced from M/s Viddi Healthcare, a pharmaceutical manufacturer based in Sirmaur, Himachal Pradesh.
The company’s managing partner, Neeraj Bhatia, a resident of Panipat, Haryana, was found to be illegally distributing the drug through shell companies.
These included M/s SS Industries, Faridabad (owned by Samesh Sareen) and pharmaceutical firms like M/s NK Pharmaceuticals, Kansal Pharmaceuticals, Kansal Industries, and others, controlled by Nikesh Kansal and his family members, residents of Delhi, along with his associate Gaurav Bhambhri from Faridabad.
Massive Illegal Trade Uncovered
ED investigations revealed that between 2018 and 2024, these companies were purchasing CBCS in bulk from Viddi Healthcare and diverting it into the illicit market. Several of these entities had already had their licenses revoked by drug control authorities.
Between 2019 and 2025, NK Pharmaceuticals and other firms purchased CBCS worth over ₹20 crore from Viddi Healthcare, acquiring approximately 55 lakh bottles.
These were allegedly diverted to the black market, generating large sums of illicit income. A significant portion of these illegal earnings was funneled into cash deposits and other financial transactions.
Raids Yield Large Cash, Gold Seizures
The ED searches led to the seizure of ₹40.62 lakh in unexplained cash, jewelry worth ₹1.61 crore, and several incriminating documents and digital evidence.
Additionally, two absconding accused in the NCB case—Gaurav Bhambhri and Mamta Kansal (mother of Nikesh Kansal)—were traced during the operation.
Their details have been shared with the NCB for further legal action.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities expected to expand their probe into the financial trail of this illegal drug network.
