Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday firmly told the state Assembly that there has been no death in Uttar Pradesh connected to the consumption of codeine-based cough syrup. Making the government’s position clear, he said strict legal action is being taken against those involved in the illegal diversion and misuse of such medicines under the provisions of the NDPS Act.

The Chief Minister said the state government has handled the matter seriously, both on the ground and in court, ensuring that investigations move forward without delay. He added that law enforcement agencies have intensified action against the entire supply chain involved in illegal trade. According to him, dozens of cases have been registered, hundreds of accused identified, and several arrests already made, with raids conducted across multiple firms suspected of wrongdoing.

Yogi Adityanath said the Special Task Force is probing the network behind the illegal circulation of codeine syrup and is tracking financial transactions linked to the racket. He alleged that during investigations, repeated links have emerged pointing towards individuals associated with the Samajwadi Party, and asserted that political identity will not shield anyone from action.

Responding sharply to the opposition, the Chief Minister said misleading statements on such sensitive issues only spread confusion among the public. He underlined that codeine-based medicines are meant strictly for medical use and can be consumed only on a doctor’s prescription, whether by children or adults. Ignoring medical guidelines, he said, leads to misuse and unnecessary panic.

Yogi also referred to past cases, stating that major irregularities had surfaced during the previous government’s tenure and that Uttar Pradesh does not manufacture codeine syrup but only has stockists and wholesalers. He clarified that reported deaths linked to such substances have occurred outside the state and involved products made elsewhere.