Illegal Codeine Operation Busted: Prime Accused Arrested

Pankaj Kumar, the prime accused in the illegal sale of codeine-based cough syrup, was arrested near Hadiya crossing in Basti district. He is alleged to have operated the illicit business with the involvement of a drug inspector. Authorities are investigating further connections.

In a significant breakthrough, authorities apprehended Pankaj Kumar, the suspected mastermind behind the illegal distribution of codeine-based cough syrup in the Basti district. His arrest occurred near the Hadiya crossing, following an extensive manhunt initiated after a case was filed against him on December 8.

Kumar is linked to Ganpati Pharma, which allegedly ran the illicit operation with the aid of a drug department inspector. Investigations are ongoing to uncover further details about this collusion, as stated by police officials in a briefing.

Originally a resident of Varanasi district, Kumar had evaded capture for several days before law enforcement managed to detain him. Authorities remain focused on unraveling the network behind the flourishing illegal trade.

(With inputs from agencies.)