Banned drug influx soars amid ineffective zero tolerance strategy

Syed Shemul Parvez :

The smuggling of banned drugs into Bangladesh continues to rise, despite the ongoing special anti-drug campaigns led by law enforcement agencies in line with the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse.

Reports indicate that the country is increasingly being used as a transit route for drug traffickers, with drugs entering through various border and air routes.

Sources suggest that Bangladesh is becoming a safe passage for drug smuggling. While the Narcotics Control Department and other law enforcement agencies are working relentlessly to apprehend the key players behind these operations, significant breakthroughs have yet to materialise.

According to official data, 1.45 million individuals have been arrested between 2009 and 2024, and more than 1.15 million cases have been filed under the Narcotics Control Act during this period. Despite these efforts, drug shipments continue to flood the country.

Experts believe that multiple factors contribute to the rise in smuggling, including the failure to stop drug shipments via borders and air routes, prolonged trial processes, the ease with which accused individuals secure bail and return to the trade, political influence, and the involvement of influential figures in the drug business.

Additionally, a lack of focus on reducing domestic demand and the failure to develop comprehensive social movements against drug abuse are identified as significant barriers.

Dr. Touhidul Haque, an associate professor at Dhaka University’s Institute of Social Welfare and Research, and a crime analyst, stated that Bangladesh has failed to prevent drugs from entering the country via borders and air routes.

He pointed out that while the government repeatedly pledges zero tolerance for drugs, this is not reflected in the arrest of major drug lords.

“Arresting only the couriers is not enough; the patrons must be exposed and brought under the law,” Dr. Haque emphasised.

He further warned that drugs are freely sold both online and offline, and if this continues, individuals will increasingly have the freedom to choose to consume drugs, leaving law enforcement agencies powerless. Dr. Haque called for the implementation of a true zero-tolerance policy and for strict punishment of any officials involved in the trafficking of drugs.

A joint report by the Narcotics Control Department (DNC), Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Coast Guard reveals that between 2009 and 2024, 1,462,743 traffickers were arrested in 1,152,595 cases filed under the Narcotics Control Act.

In that period, authorities seized significant quantities of illicit substances, including 387.85 million Yaba pills, 4,528 kg of heroin, 195 kg of cocaine, 369 kg of opium, 975,467 kg of marijuana, and over 13 million bottles of Phensidyl, among other drugs.

The statistics show a sharp rise in drug seizures over the years. Notably, Yaba pill seizures surged dramatically in 2015, with more than 20 million pills confiscated.

The most significant seizure occurred in 2018 when 53.5 million Yaba pills were seized, with 53.7 million pills seized in 2021. Similarly, heroin seizures have been steadily increasing, with the highest amount of 701 kg seized in 2023.

The quantity of cocaine seized has also escalated, reaching 130 kg in 2024, prompting concern among authorities.

The marijuana seizures have been especially alarming, with over 100,000 kg of the drug seized in both 2023 and 2024. Phensidyl seizures have also been significant, though the volume has declined since 2015.

Md. Khurshid Alam, Deputy Director of the DNC’s Dhaka Divisional Intelligence Office, acknowledged that while the rate of drug shipments has slowed since 2018, it remains unacceptable.

He attributed this to increased awareness and efforts from the state, relevant organisations, and society at large. However, he stressed that the inability to control domestic demand continues to fuel the smuggling of drugs.

He also noted that the issue is compounded by some law enforcement personnel themselves engaging in drug use, hindering efforts to tackle the problem effectively. As a solution, Alam called for the establishment of drug prevention committees in every neighbourhood, alongside a broader social movement to combat drug abuse in the country.

Despite efforts to stem the tide of drugs, the persistence of smuggling and trafficking poses a major challenge to Bangladesh’s fight against drug abuse. It remains to be seen whether more stringent policies and actions will be implemented to curb the growing problem