A raid on the Lucknow residence of a dismissed Uttar Pradesh police constable has brought to light a lavish lifestyle allegedly funded through a multi-crore cough syrup smuggling racket. The sprawling 7,000-square-foot mansion of Alok Pratap Singh, located in the state capital, has yielded luxury handbags, high-end watches and expensive electronic gadgets, deepening the probe into the illegal network.
Investigators found designer handbags from international brands, premium wristwatches worth several lakh rupees each and other costly possessions inside the mansion, which features European-style interiors, spiral staircases and vintage lighting. Preliminary assessments indicate that ₹1.5&ndash;2 crore may have been spent on interiors alone, while construction costs are estimated at around ₹5 crore, excluding the value of the land. A government-approved valuer has been appointed to determine the total investment and identify any proceeds of crime.
Singh was arrested earlier this month following questioning in connection with a large-scale racket involving the illegal sale of codeine-based cough syrups as intoxicants. His name surfaced during the interrogation of another accused, leading investigators to trace his alleged role in running wholesale units across Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The syrups were reportedly smuggled to multiple states and across borders into neighbouring countries.
Authorities allege that Singh leveraged long-standing connections in political and administrative circles to expand the network and mentor younger operatives from eastern Uttar Pradesh districts. The operation is believed to have laundered nearly ₹1,000 crore. So far, around 3.5 lakh bottles of cough syrup, valued at approximately ₹4.5 crore, have been seized, and more than 30 people have been taken into custody. Financial transactions and money trails linked to the network are currently under scrutiny.
Originally from Chandauli, Singh joined the police force over two decades ago. He was first dismissed in 2006 following his arrest in a robbery case, reinstated after acquittal, and later dismissed again in 2019 over fresh allegations of misconduct and corruption. Investigators believe that after leaving the force, he turned to business activities that eventually connected him to the illicit syrup trade.
The probe continues as authorities work to establish the full extent of assets acquired and the wider network involved in the alleged smuggling operation.

Alok Pratap Singh being brought to a court in Lucknow

Luxury bags and watches seized in probe into cough syrup smuggling racket

ED Raid Uncovers Luxury at Ex-UP Cop’s Home

Luxury bags and watches seized in probe into cough syrup smuggling racket

December 14, 2025 | 14:56 IST