Banned codeine-based cough syrup worth over Rs 2 cr seized in Assam, 2 held

Two persons were arrested after bottles of banned codeine-based cough syrup worth over Rs 2 crore were seized from their possession in two separate operations in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The two operations were carried out on Saturday in Cachar and Kokrajhar districts.

Codeine is strictly regulated in India. Over-the-counter sales of codeine-based medicines are prohibited, and possessing, manufacturing or selling them without a valid medical licence is illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Sarma, in a post on X, said a consignment of the banned syrup was seized from a truck in Cachar.

''Based on reliable inputs, a truck was intercepted by @cacharpolice leading to the recovery of Rs 2.1cr worth of banned Codeine Phosphate Syrup,'' he said on Saturday.

One person has been arrested, Sarma added, affirming that efforts to dismantle the drug network will continue.

The Chief Minister's Office (CMO), also in a post on social media on Sunday, said another consignment was seized in Kokrajhar.

''Intercepting a truck carrying cattle feed at a naka checkpoint yesterday, @KokrajharPolice uncovered and seized 30,000 bottles of illicit Codeine syrup at Gossaigaon and apprehended the driver,'' it said.

''HCM Dr. @himantabiswa has applauded the operational team for their sharp vigilance,'' the CMO added.

Codeine is strictly regulated in India. Over-the-counter sales of codeine-based medicines are prohibited, and possessing, manufacturing or selling them without a valid medical licence is illegal under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)