In a joint operation, Crime Branch and Madhotal Police Station police seized 4,800 bottles of codeine-based Meccatus cough syrup, valued at approximately Rs 8.64 lakh used for illegal use as an intoxicant. According to Madhotal SHO Virendra Singh Pawar, Crime Branch received a tip-off that a large consignment of restricted cough syrup was stored near a Tata showroom on Katangi Road at a VRL Transport facility. Acting promptly on the information, a joint team, along with Drug Inspector Devendra Jain raided the location and checked transport records. During verification, documents revealed that 40 cartons containing the cough syrup had been booked on February 5, 2026, from a Dehradun-based pharmaceutical firm by Himanshu Jha and consigned to M/s Sachin Medicoz in Jabera, Damoh district. The consignment was awaiting delivery on February 16.

 

Drug Inspector Devendra Jain informed that codeine-based cough syrups are often misused as intoxicants. As per orders from the Food Safety and Drug Administration, sale of such medicines without a doctor’s prescription or beyond prescribed monthly limits is prohibited. Police seized all 40 cartons containing 4,800 bottles and registered a case against Sumit Yadav (transport cashier), M/s Sachin Medicoz, Himanshu Jha and the supplying pharmaceutical firm under relevant sections of the NDPS Act and the MP Drug Control Act.