LUCKNOW, Dec. 18 -- The Uttar Pradesh Police's Special Task Force (STF) is preparing to expand its probe into the multi-crore codeine-based cough syrup diversion racket by naming three pharmaceutical manufacturing firms as accused for allegedly facilitating the illegal supply of bulk consignments to traffickers.

Senior police officials privy to the investigation said the focus is now shifting towards the manufacturing end of the supply chain. "Evidence suggests that certain manufacturers were aware of the abnormal volumes being supplied and the dubious distribution network involved. They are likely to be accused soon," an STF officer said, adding that further arrests are expected as the financial and interstate links of the racket are un...