By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: In a significant breakthrough against illegal pharmaceutical drug trafficking, the Special Task Force (STF), Crime Branch, Odisha, in close coordination with the Drugs Control Department, has seized a massive consignment of Codeine Phosphate-based cough syrup (Wincerex) from courier hubs in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
The seizures took place during coordinated raids on:
31st July 2025, at Trackon Couriers Pvt. Ltd., New LIC Colony, Badambadi, Cuttack
1st August 2025, at Trackon Couriers Pvt. Ltd., Mancheswar, Bhubaneswar
A total of 26,658 bottles (100 ml each) of Wincerex Cough Syrup were recovered, distributed as:
Cuttack Branch – 13,158 bottles
Bhubaneswar Branch – 13,500 bottles
The estimated market value of the seized contraband is ₹52,78,284/-.
The operation was jointly led by:
Sri Pradeep Kumar Rout, Deputy Superintendent of Police, STF, Crime Branch
Sri Jitu Beshra, Inspector, STF & Investigating Officer
STF Officials and Operational Team
Sri Chandan Kumar Giri, Drugs Inspector (Enforcement), Directorate of Drugs Control, Odisha
Sri Dharmadev Puhan, Assistant Drugs Controller, Cuttack Circle-I
The entire seizure was conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and two independent Government witnesses, ensuring compliance with legal procedures.
The accused, Sri Ansuman Abhijit Sahoo alias Raja, a resident of Bharatpur, Bhubaneswar, was caught red-handed while attempting to receive the illegal consignment. The drugs were being diverted for unauthorized sale and suspected abuse among vulnerable sections, especially youth.
The seized cough syrup, Wincerex, is manufactured by Wings Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, and falls under Schedule H1 and Schedule G of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules. Containing Codeine Phosphate, a notified narcotic substance, it is strictly regulated for sale only against valid medical prescription and record maintenance.
Legal proceedings have been initiated under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, 1985 and Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, and further investigation is underway to trace the entire supply chain, including consignor, consignee, and transport operators.
The Odisha Government remains firmly committed to a zero-tolerance policy towards narcotic pharmaceutical abuse, and such crackdowns will continue across the State with the combined efforts of enforcement, intelligence, and regulatory agencies.
