Bihar's Alcohol Prohibition Fuels Rise in Codeine Cough Syrup Abuse
In prohibition state Bihar, how cough syrup is filling the alcohol void
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
In Bihar, India, the ongoing prohibition of alcohol has led to a surge in the misuse of codeine cough syrups as a substitute, particularly among youth. Seizures of these syrups have increased dramatically, raising concerns for public health and law enforcement.
- 01Since the alcohol prohibition in 2016, codeine cough syrups have become a popular alternative, with seizures rising from under 30,000 bottles in 2016 to over 117,000 bottles in 2024.
- 02The cost of codeine syrups ranges from INR 100-200 ($1.20-$2.40 USD) per bottle, making them an affordable option for many users.
- 03Bihar's Anti-Narcotics Task Force has uncovered large illicit stocks of codeine syrups, often controlled by interstate trafficking networks.
- 04Legal measures have been introduced to regulate codeine syrups, designating them as intoxicants under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, yet enforcement remains a challenge.
- 05Experts suggest that addressing underlying issues such as unemployment and education is crucial to effectively tackling substance abuse.
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As Bihar, India, nears a decade of alcohol prohibition, the misuse of codeine cough syrups has surged as a cheap and accessible substitute, particularly among young people in rural areas. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence recently seized 7,500 bottles of codeine syrup in Patna, highlighting the growing problem. Since the ban on alcohol in 2016, the number of seized codeine syrups has skyrocketed from under 30,000 to over 117,000 bottles in 2024, indicating a significant shift in substance abuse patterns. The affordability of these syrups, priced at INR 100-200 ($1.20-$2.40 USD) per bottle, has made them attractive to former alcohol users. Despite Bihar's efforts to regulate codeine syrups by designating them as intoxicants under the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, enforcement remains challenging due to weak pharmacy regulations and the thriving black market. Authorities are contemplating stricter measures, but experts argue that addressing root causes such as unemployment and lack of education is essential for long-term solutions.
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The rise in codeine syrup abuse poses significant challenges for public health and law enforcement in Bihar.
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