Darbhanga: Police in Bihar’s Darbhanga district seized codeine-based cough syrup and recovered nearly Rs 25 lakh in cash during a raid conducted at a house in Laheriasarai police station area on Friday evening.
The raid was carried out at a residence located in Naka No. 6 area following information about the alleged supply of cough syrup being used as an intoxicant in Darbhanga city. Acting on the directions of Senior Superintendent of Police Jagunath Reddy Jalareddy, a special team was formed to conduct the operation.
During the raid, police arrested the house owner, Gaudi Shankar Chaudhary, from the spot.
Officials said searches were conducted in three rooms inside the house. Police personnel and officials from the Drug Department were reportedly surprised after recovering 43 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup along with bundles of cash.
According to police sources, cash amounting to Rs 24.97 lakh was recovered from the premises. The seized amount included currency notes of Rs 100, Rs 200 and Rs 500 denominations. Police are investigating the source of the money.
Sadar SDPO Rajiv Kumar said the accused is being questioned and further details will be shared after the completion of the investigation and legal formalities.
Police sources said the accused allegedly operated an optical shop in the front portion of his house as a cover, while reportedly running an illegal narcotics-related trade from the premises.
Investigators are now probing the entire network linked to the accused. All mobile phones found in the house have been seized and are being examined by the technical team. Police are also scanning CCTV footage to identify people visiting the premises.
The raid was conducted in the presence of Drug Inspector Sandeep Kumar and station house officers from six police stations.
