ED Intensifies Probe in Lucknow Cough Syrup Racket; Mastermind Absconding

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into a multi-crore codeine-based cough syrup trafficking and money laundering syndicate in Uttar Pradesh.
• Families of arrested accused Vishal Singh and Vibhor Rana have been summoned for questioning on January 5 and January 8 regarding income sources and financial transactions.
• Shubham Jaiswal, the alleged mastermind, remains absconding despite three notices; ED plans to issue a Red Corner Notice, suspecting he is hiding in Dubai.
• ED is thoroughly investigating properties linked to Shubham Jaiswal, dismissed policeman Alok Singh, and Amit Singh Tata, with raids uncovering illicit items and transactions.
• The racket, which began in February 2024 with a large cough syrup recovery, involved fake companies, counterfeit invoices, and secret warehouses for trafficking.

Why It Matters: ED escalates probe into Lucknow's narcotic cough syrup racket, summoning families and pursuing absconding mastermind.