LUCKNOW, Dec. 17 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to issue notices for questioning to operators of several firms after recovering documents linked to hundreds of entities during recent searches connected to an alleged codeine-based cough syrup diversion racket, senior officials said on Tuesday. The documents pertain to nearly 454 additional firms and their operators and were seized during extensive searches carried out on Friday and Saturday. The searches covered 25 locations across six districts in three states, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Gujarat, linked to manufacturers, distributors and transporters allegedly involved in diverting pharmaceutical consignments meant for legitimate medical use into the illegal drug market. During the operation, the agency seized financial records, invoices, transport documents, digital devices and bank-related papers. These materials are being examined to trace money flows and identify beneficiaries of the alleged racket. Officials said several firms whose documents were recovered do not figure in earlier FIRs or police records, prompting the ED to begin background verification of their directors, partners and authorised signatories. "Based on preliminary scrutiny, the agency is preparing to summon firm operators to ascertain their alleged role in the diversion and laundering of proceeds of crime," a senior official said. htc...