The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into the ‘Coldrif’ cough syrup case, which has been linked to the tragic deaths of several children. On Monday, ED officials conducted searches at seven locations in Chennai associated with Sreesan Pharma. These searches were carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Sources indicate that the targeted premises include the residences of senior officials within the Tamil Nadu drug control department. This significant move follows a recent breakthrough in the Madhya Pradesh cough syrup tragedy, where at least 22 children in the Chhindwara district lost their lives after consuming ‘Coldrif’ branded cough syrup. This is the third major action by the ED against pharmaceutical companies in Chennai recently, highlighting a broader crackdown on illicit practices within the industry. Previously, in September, raids were conducted on premises linked to Arvind Remedies Ltd. concerning a ₹637 crore bank loan fraud, and in April 2024, 30 locations were searched in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering operation. The investigation into Sreesan Pharma aims to uncover financial irregularities and potential money laundering activities linked to the production and distribution of the contaminated syrup. Authorities are determined to bring those responsible for this public health disaster to justice.
