Lagatar24 Desk
Ranchi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Jharkhand High Court seeking immediate action against the growing trade of illegal narcotic drugs in the state. The petition, filed by advocate Sunil Kumar, questions the alleged negligence of police and the Crime Investigation Department (CID) in probing the seizure of 26,000 bottles of Phensedyl cough syrup from a warehouse in Dhanbad’s Barwadda area.
PIL Raises Questions Over CID’s Inaction
The petitioner claimed that despite months passing since the high-profile drug seizure, the CID has failed to make concrete progress. The case, initially registered at Barwadda police station, was transferred to the CID in June 2024, but all accused continue to remain free. The PIL argues that such negligence directly affects public health and violates the citizens’ fundamental right to a healthy life.
Cough Syrup Sourced From Ranchi-Based Firm
According to the FIR, the seized Phensedyl bottles were supplied by Selli Traders, based in Tupudana Industrial Area, Ranchi, owned by Bhola Prasad. The firm is an authorized stockist of Abbott Healthcare Pvt Ltd, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. A team of eight drug inspectors inspected the warehouse on March 12, 2024, in the presence of Prasad’s son Shubham Jaiswal. The investigation revealed that the seized bottles (Batch Nos. PHD23159 and PHD23160) had been sold on January 4 and 5, 2024, through 43 invoices.
Widespread Drug Trafficking Cases In Jharkhand
The petition highlighted that the illegal drug trade in Jharkhand has escalated despite repeated seizures worth crores.
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November 2025: Ranchi Police seized 13,400 bottles of illegal syrup worth ₹30 lakh from Mandar.
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August 2025: West Singhbhum Police intercepted a mini-truck carrying 3,600 bottles of Phensedyl.
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December 2024: Jamshedpur Police seized cough syrup worth over ₹25 lakh from multiple locations.
Call For Judicial Intervention
The petitioner urged the High Court to direct the CID to expedite the probe and take strict action against negligent officers. The plea emphasized that the unchecked spread of illegal pharmaceuticals has become a serious threat to youth and public safety in Jharkhand.
