Delhi court orders framing of charges in codeine syrup seizure case

A Delhi court ordered framing of charges against Vipin Chawla under the NDPS Act for alleged illegal possession of codeine-based cough syrup.

The Special Cell of Delhi Police raided a shop in Azadpur on June 16, 2023, recovering 302 boxes containing 36,238 bottles weighing approximately 4,312 kg, exceeding the commercial quantity limit of 1 kg for codeine.

The court rejected Chawla's defence that he was merely a manager at M/s Surya Pharma and that the stock was being returned to the supplier, noting the storage premises were unlicensed and he had provided keys during the raid.

The prosecution cited lack of sale records for 12,580 bottles supplied to Chawla, suggesting they may have been illicitly disposed of, and forensic reports linking his signatures to invoices.

The court said the evidence prima facie raises grave suspicion of illegal procurement, storage, and distribution of the psychotropic substance.