India
-Gaurav Sharma
The Madhya Pradesh Special Task Force has dismantled an alleged illegal cough syrup unit in Bhopal. The facility operated from a house in Gandhi Nagar, a residential locality. Officers seized more than 50,000 bottles of suspected intoxicating cough syrup from the site. Manufacturing equipment and packaging material were also recovered during the action. Seven suspects, including three juveniles, are in STF custody for questioning.
Officials said all seven were picked up from the premises during the raid. The group includes three juveniles, whose alleged roles are being carefully assessed. Interrogation is underway and STF officers have not ruled out more arrests. Samples of the seized cough syrup have gone to a laboratory for detailed testing. Analysts will check its chemical composition and look for any prohibited or controlled substances.
The Madhya Pradesh Special Task Force dismantled an alleged illegal cough syrup unit in Bhopal’s Gandhi Nagar, seizing over 50,000 bottles of ‘Off Cuff’ syrup and equipment valued at Rs 1.5 crore; seven suspects, including three juveniles, are in custody pending further investigation and lab testing.
STF raid on illegal cough syrup unit and background intelligence
According to officials, STF teams had received information for some time about illegal production. Tip-offs mentioned distribution of intoxicating cough syrup from the Gandhi Nagar area. Based on these inputs, senior officers designed and supervised a special operation. The raid plan was kept confidential and the local police station was not briefed beforehand.
STF Deputy Inspector General Rahul Lodha said the operation started around midnight. Teams remained at the scene until nearly 3 am, checking every section of the property. The target was a house in Dobra Patel City Colony within Gandhi Nagar. Personnel from the Drug Department joined STF staff during the late-night search. Officers moved through rooms and storage spaces, documenting items linked to suspected manufacturing.
Illegal cough syrup brand Off Cuff and seized material
During the search, investigators found cartons and bottles labelled with the unlicensed brand name “Off Cuff”. Machinery was allegedly being used to manufacture the syrup and seal the bottles. Packaging material suggested the product was ready for wider distribution beyond the immediate locality. Authorities estimate the combined value of seized stock and equipment at about Rs 1.5 crore.
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Suspected cough syrup bottles seized | More than 50,000 |
| Estimated value of stock and equipment | Rs 1.5 crore |
| People arrested | 7, including 3 juveniles |
| Duration of raid | About 3 hours |
Investigators are now focusing on the supply network linked to the alleged unit. Teams are tracing where raw materials came from and who financed the purchases. Officials also want to know how the finished cough syrup left the property. The STF is checking whether consignments were sent to other districts and neighbouring states.
The house where the raid took place is reportedly owned by a person named Malviya. Officials said they have not yet managed to speak with Malviya about the case. They will determine whether the owner had any role or if others misused the premises. A case has been registered by STF officials and further legal action is in progress.
STF officers said the case highlights the danger of narcotic cough syrup in residential areas. “The investigation is continuing and strict action will be taken against everyone found involved in the illegal trade,” an STF official said. Officials stated that findings from laboratory reports and field inquiries will guide the next steps.
