Passport of Codeine Syrup Smuggling Kingpin Shubham Jaiswal Cancelled, Stay in Dubai Becomes Illegal

Lucknow:
In a major breakthrough against the interstate codeine cough syrup smuggling network, the passport of alleged kingpin Shubham Jaiswal, currently hiding in Dubai, has been officially cancelled. With this development, his stay in the United Arab Emirates has now become illegal, significantly tightening the noose around him.

According to officials of the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), once an Indian passport is revoked while the individual is already abroad, the person is legally considered an illegal foreign national in that country. Under international norms, the host nation may initiate deportation proceedings.

Following the cancellation, all visas issued on the passport — including those for Gulf countries, the UK, or the US — automatically become technically invalid, as a visa cannot exist without a valid passport.

STF sources confirmed that information regarding the passport cancellation has been formally conveyed to concerned central agencies and authorities in Dubai. A Look Out Circular (LOC) had already been issued against Jaiswal earlier, and this latest action is expected to accelerate his return to India under legal compulsion.

Officials stated that in such circumstances, the accused can return to India only through an Emergency Certificate (EC) issued by Indian authorities.

Syndicate Under Scanner

Meanwhile, the arrest of Vikas Singh Narve, a key operative of the cough syrup trafficking syndicate, is expected to expose several crucial links of the network. Both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the STF are preparing to seek his custody remand for further interrogation.

Investigations have revealed that Vikas Singh acted as the main connector and operational handler of the syndicate. A native of Azamgarh, he allegedly introduced Amit Kumar Singh alias Tata and dismissed constable Alok Pratap Singh into the illegal trade and later connected them to Shubham Jaiswal.

Fake Firms and Financial Network

STF investigations further indicate that the gang floated multiple firms in Dhanbad (Jharkhand) and Varanasi using forged documents. These firms were allegedly used for the large-scale procurement, sale, and illegal diversion of codeine-based cough syrups such as Phensedyl.

Authorities believe that Vikas Singh played a central role in creating shell companies, managing financial transactions, and maintaining coordination among syndicate members.

With international coordination now underway, enforcement agencies are confident that the crackdown will soon lead to the extradition and prosecution of the prime accused, marking a decisive step in dismantling the drug trafficking network.