UP Cough Syrup Syndicate: Constable Alok Singh—Once Dismissed in 4 kg Gold Robbery—Arrested Again After Decades of Crime Network

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested constable Alok Singh, a key operative in the banned cough syrup smuggling syndicate, whose criminal history dates back nearly two decades. Singh, once dismissed from service for his alleged role in a 4 kg gold robbery in 2006, was reinstated in 2022 on court orders—but his return to the force did little to change his ways.

According to the STF, the kingpin of the syndicate, Shubham Jaiswal, remains absconding. However, several active members—including Alok Singh and Amit “Tata”—have been taken into custody.

A History of Crime Behind the Uniform

In 2006, a trader in Prayagraj was robbed of four kilograms of gold. The investigation exposed the involvement of then-SOG constable Alok Singh along with four other police personnel, leading to his dismissal. After his reinstatement, Singh allegedly used his influence to secure a posting at the UP Power Corporation and was later transferred to the Lucknow Police Lines—where he frequently remained absent from duty.

His name surfaced in multiple criminal incidents over the years, including a recent robbery in the Naka area, earning him a reputation as a habitual offender despite being in uniform.

Deep Roots in Illegal Trade and Local Influence

A native of Kaithi village in Chandauli, Singh completed his education only up to Class 7 before moving to Lucknow with his father. Over time, he expanded his influence across Lucknow, Jaunpur, and Varanasi. His involvement ranged from facilitating railway contracts and mining deals to supporting real estate companies in acquiring land.

He even obtained his arms license by declaring residency in Jaunpur, where he recently constructed a new house. Investigators say he built a network of youths across Chandauli, Ghazipur, Jaunpur, and Varanasi—many of whom assisted him in the cough syrup smuggling racket.

Cough Syrup Syndicate and High-Profit Smuggling

During interrogation, Singh told officers he was introduced to kingpin Shubham Jaiswal by Azamgarh resident Vikas Singh. Shubham runs a large-scale operations hub in Ranchi under the name “Shaili Traders,” distributing Abbott’s cough syrup Phensedyl, widely misused as an intoxicant. The illegal trade yields massive profits due to high demand in the black market.

STF Traces and Arrests Alok Singh

The UP STF issued a lookout circular for Singh on December 1. Although he filed for surrender in court, he was intercepted a day later near Lucknow’s Gomti Nagar Vistar, close to the Plassio Mall, and taken into custody.

Investigations are now focused on uncovering the full extent of Singh’s network and his links to the high-value cough syrup trafficking syndicate stretching from Lucknow to Ranchi.