Regulators in Uttar Pradesh have launched an inquiry into the distribution of Phensedyl, a codeine-based cough syrup formerly produced by Abbott Healthcare India. The state drug department obtained manufacturing and distribution records during a facility inspection on January 14 at Abbott’s Himachal Pradesh plant. While Abbott has not been named as an accused party, officials are mapping the drug’s movement through wholesalers and unofficial channels.

Abbott Healthcare ceased Phensedyl production in December 2024 due to persistent reports of misuse despite built-in safeguards. Nevertheless, supply data from April 2024 to March 2025 shows 22 million bottles—valued at approximately $55 million—were delivered to vendors in Uttar Pradesh. This indicates that significant inventory remains in circulation more than a year after manufacturing stopped.

Investigators recovered roughly 30,000 bottles of Phensedyl concealed in rice sacks during enforcement raids, suggesting organized smuggling routes. The state government’s analysis found that cumulative sales volumes of codeine syrups exceeded estimated therapeutic demand by nearly 40%, implying large-scale non-medical use and diversion into illicit networks, including cross-border trafficking into Bangladesh where the drug is banned.

The broader inquiry covers multiple syrup manufacturers, but focus on Abbott’s records underscores concerns over traceability. Officials are scrutinizing batch-level logs, distributor invoices and transport manifests to identify points of leakages. Authorities are evaluating whether existing regulatory controls need strengthening and considering new measures such as real-time reporting of narcotic product movements.