‘Ketamelon’ exposed: NCB seizes drugs, ₹70L crypto
In a major crackdown on the illegal sale of prescription drugs, Mumbai’s Malwani Police arrested two men and confiscated 710 bottles of codeine-laced cough syrup from the Malad (West) area. The estimated value of the seized syrup is approximately Rs 3.6 lakh.
What Happened?
Based on a reliable tipoff, the police team acted swiftly and detained two individuals near M.V. Desai Ground on Marve Road. The suspects Rizwan Ansari (29) and Naved Batatawala (27)—are both residents of Dongri, Mumbai.
Upon inspection, police found that the bottles contained cough syrup mixed with codeine phosphate, a controlled substance.
Why Is This Serious?
Codeine is an opioid-based pain reliever, commonly used in certain prescription cough syrups. However, when used without a doctor’s supervision or in large quantities, it can cause serious health risks, including:
- Addiction
- Drowsiness
- Respiratory issues
- Impaired judgment
Because of its potential for misuse and dependence, codeine is classified as a Schedule H1 drug in India and should only be used under medical supervision.
In this case, the cough syrup bottles were reportedly being sold illegally for Rs 500 each, targeting individuals seeking its euphoric effects.
Police Action and Legal Charges
The arrest was made by Sub-Inspector Deepak Hinde under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner of Police Anand Bhoite and Senior Inspector Shailendra Nagarkar.
Both accused have been charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which strictly prohibits the unlicensed sale and possession of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Public Health Warning
This incident is a stark reminder of the growing trend of misuse of prescription medications, especially among youth. The general public is advised:
- Never purchase or consume medication without a valid prescription
- To report any suspicious sale of medical substances to the authorities
- To be aware of the risks of self-medicating with opioids or other controlled drugs
Conclusion
The Malad seizure highlights a growing concern for public health and law enforcement. Codeine, though medically useful in small, supervised doses, can become highly dangerous when misused. Thanks to prompt action by the police, a significant quantity of this potentially harmful substance has been taken off the streets.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
