Home / Crime and Justice / Court Halts Codeine Syrup Detention
Court Halts Codeine Syrup Detention
8 Oct
Summary
- High Court quashed detention under PITNDPS Act.
- Detention challenged as non-application of mind.
- Codeine cough syrup not a narcotic under NDPS Act.
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court has allowed habeas corpus petitions for two alleged members of a multi-crore codeine syrup smuggling racket. The court quashed their detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988 (PITNDPS Act).
The petitioners challenged their detention orders, arguing they were issued without proper application of mind. Their plea highlighted that their names surfaced in investigations through statements attributed to co-accused individuals. Furthermore, they contended that Phensedyl cough syrup, containing codeine, is not a narcotic or psychotropic substance as defined by the NDPS Act, especially given government notifications exempting certain codeine preparations.
This legal challenge emerged in the context of a large-scale racket involving the illegal trafficking of codeine-based cough syrups, reportedly smuggled to countries like Bangladesh for narcotic uses. Following the bust of this racket in October 2025, several cases were registered, leading to arrests and forfeiture of properties. Authorities are also intensifying efforts to apprehend key figures, including the wife of a fugitive kingpin, against whom a non-bailable warrant has been issued.
