kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, September 23: The West Bengal government has stepped up its crackdown on the illegal circulation of drugs, with nearly two lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup seized and destroyed by the police and administration in South Dinajpur district. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday reiterated the government's commitment to building a drug-free Bengal and said there would be no compromise in the fight against illegal drugs and their trafficking.

Sharing details of the action on social media, the Chief Minister said the seizure formed part of the state's continuing drive to prevent the misuse and unauthorised distribution of codeine-containing cough syrups. The large-scale operation was carried out by the South Dinajpur police and district administration as part of heightened vigilance against the illegal movement of substances that can be misused for their intoxicating effects.

Following the police action, Labret Pharmaceuticals India Limited, the manufacturer of the cough syrup, has assured the West Bengal government that it will stop the sale of 'Escaf Cough Syrup' in the state. The company has also begun the process of withdrawing stocks of the product lying at local depots, according to the Chief Minister.

Adhikari said the company's commitment was conveyed through a letter addressed to the investigating officer of Harirampur Police Station in connection with case number 263/2026. In the communication, the company assured the authorities that it would cooperate with the administration and comply with all applicable rules and regulations to prevent the misuse of medicines and curb their diversion into illegal channels.

The seizure assumes significance amid growing administrative concern over the misuse of pharmaceutical products containing substances that can have intoxicating effects. Law enforcement agencies have been maintaining surveillance over the movement and distribution of such products and have been taking action against stocks suspected to have entered unauthorised channels.

The Chief Minister said the state government's zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drugs and drug trafficking would continue. He also thanked and congratulated the police and local administration for their vigilance and for taking action against the large quantity of illegally held cough syrup.

The government has maintained that tackling drug abuse requires sustained enforcement as well as cooperation from pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors and local authorities. The latest action in South Dinajpur has also underlined the importance of monitoring the supply chain of medicines that are vulnerable to misuse.

Emphasising the need to protect young people from substance abuse, Adhikari said the government remained committed to ensuring a healthy and secure environment for the state's youth and future generations. According to him, creating a safe, healthy and drug-free West Bengal remains one of the government's key commitments.

The administration is expected to maintain its focus on illegal drug networks and unauthorised distribution of pharmaceutical products. Officials are also likely to continue monitoring local supply chains and coordinating with pharmaceutical companies to prevent regulated medicines from being diverted for illegal use.

The latest seizure and destruction of nearly two lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup in South Dinajpur marks another significant enforcement action in the state's campaign against drug abuse. The government has made it clear that strict action against illegal drugs and their trafficking will remain a priority, with police and district administrations expected to maintain heightened vigilance across the state.