The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday launched a major crackdown on the illegal trade of a hazardous cough syrup, conducting simultaneous raids at 25 locations across Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.
The operation began around 7 am, targeting traders, warehouses, accountants and distribution networks allegedly linked to the multi-crore racket.
In Jharkhand, Ranchi-based Shaili Traders emerged as a key point in the supply chain. Sources said this firm was primarily responsible for the distribution of the banned cough syrup across the state.
The ED suspects that Shaili Traders handled an annual turnover of over ₹5 crore through the sale of the dangerous product, said sources.
The agency also carried out searches in Lucknow, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Saharanpur, Ahmedabad and Ranchi, focusing on individuals believed to be involved in the procurement, storage and distribution of the illegal product.
The premises of CA Vishnu Agrawal were also covered under the search operation, indicating possible financial irregularities linked to the trade.
In Ranchi, the ED team raided the warehouse and residence of Jharkhand-based trader Shubham Jaiswal, located in Tupudana.
Officials suspect Jaiswal played a significant role in moving large quantities of the cough syrup within and outside the state. Documents, electronic devices and transaction records are being scrutinised to trace the broader supply network.
Sources said that the primary objective of the raids is to uncover the entire chain — right from procurement and interstate transportation to financial transactions associated with the illegal sale.
The ED is said to be examining whether the proceeds were laundered through shell firms or benami accounts.
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