UP Drug Regulator Proposes Six Major Measures to Curb Illegal Codeine Cough Syrup Trade

The Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has sent six major proposals to the Central Government to stop the illegal sale and misuse of codeine-based cough syrups. These syrups are legally used to treat severe cough but are increasingly being misused as intoxicants. The department has asked the Centre to bring stricter rules to control their supply, distribution and sale across the country.

An investigation by the UP drug department found that large quantities of codeine-based cough syrups were being billed by companies, but many of these medicines were not reaching authorized medical stores. This raised concerns that the products were being diverted to illegal markets for non-medical use. FSDA Secretary and Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob has sent a reminder to the Union Ministry, requesting an early decision on the six proposals and the introduction of necessary guidelines.

Investigation Finds Illegal Supply Networks

An inter-state investigation revealed several irregularities in the supply of codeine-based cough syrups. Officials found that some products coming from Ranchi, Himachal Pradesh and other locations were difficult to track. In several cases, the actual stock did not match the billed quantity, and proper records of sales to medical stores were missing. Following these findings, FIRs were registered against 161 firms in 36 districts under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the NDPS Act. The department has also started the process of cancelling their licences.

Six Proposals to Tighten Drug Supply Rules

The FSDA has suggested that major pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott, 3B, Wings and others, should supply codeine-based syrups only through authorised Carrying and Forwarding Agents (CFAs) and licensed stockists in Uttar Pradesh. Separate distribution networks involving outside individuals should be stopped. The department has also proposed that the supply of these medicines should be based on the actual medical needs of each state rather than only on production quotas.

The six major proposals include:

• Authorised distribution: Companies should supply medicines only through authorised CFAs and licensed wholesalers. Manufacturers should also inform state drug controllers before sending any consignment.
• Digital tracking system: QR codes or barcodes should be introduced to track every batch from the manufacturer to the final seller. The department has also suggested stock 

The FSDA said that these measures would help control the illegal trade of codeine-based cough syrups while ensuring that genuine patients do not face problems. It clarified that these syrups are not completely banned or counterfeit medicines. They are legally approved medicines prescribed by doctors for certain medical conditions. Therefore, the aim is to stop their misuse and illegal sale while ensuring that patients who genuinely need them can continue to get them easily from authorised medical stores.