The Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Ahmedabad City Police arrested two partners of an Ahmedabad-based wholesale pharmaceutical company. Investigators charged the duo with illegally selling codeine-based cough syrup to unlicensed firms across multiple states. Consequently, officers booked the businessmen under strict provisions of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Police identified the arrested individuals as Hiren Kantilal Patel and Parshva Vora. The suspects operate M/s Prama Healthcare out of the Gujarat Estate in Sarkhej, Ahmedabad.
Postal Raid Uncovers ₹55 Lakh Illegal Drug Consignment
The police action follows a targeted raid at the General Post Office in Ahmedabad. Acting on a confidential tip-off, SOG personnel intercepted 34 parcels containing 5,050 bottles of ‘Cof-Trip’ codeine syrup.
Authorities valued the seized narcotic consignment at nearly ₹55 lakh.
Shipping records revealed that the firm addressed the packages to various companies in Mizoram, Assam, and Uttar Pradesh. Following the seizure, Gujarat police coordinated with health authorities in the recipient states.
The Mizoram State Licensing Authority soon confirmed that key recipient firms lacked valid licenses to purchase or store narcotic drugs.
Inter-State Investigation Focuses on Supply Chain Networks
Codeine is an opioid medication traditionally used to treat severe coughs. However, its narcotic properties make it highly vulnerable to illegal addiction trade. Therefore, Indian regulations strictly mandate verified licensing for every transaction under the NDPS Act.
A local court remanded both suspects to police custody to allow deeper interrogation. Meanwhile, special investigative teams are traveling to Assam and Uttar Pradesh to uncover the broader distribution network.
Curated news reports, in-depth analysis, and special features by India’s Opinion editorial team.
