New Drug Trafficking Tactic from Myanmar: Yaba Washes Ashore in Naf River

Smuggling yaba from Myanmar across the Naf River into Bangladesh is not a new phenomenon. However, the recent recovery of floating consignments from the river has raised growing concerns. Law enforcement authorities suspect that drug traffickers have adopted a new tactic of floating yaba shipments down the river to evade security sweeps. In line with this pattern, the Bangladesh Coast Guard seized a massive consignment of yaba from a floating bag in the Naf River. The estimated market value of the recovered yaba is approximately BDT 15 million.

According to relevant sources, members of law enforcement agencies, including the Coast Guard, are conducting regular patrols and drives in the Naf River and border zones to curb drug smuggling. Meanwhile, the discovery of floating shipments in the river has raised fresh questions regarding drug trafficking tactics.

Residents noted that yaba seizures along the Myanmar-bordering Naf River have become a routine sight. Smugglers reportedly attempt to traffic drugs using boats, hiding them inside various commercial goods, and floating them through the river currents. Consequently, locals believe that stricter surveillance and coordinated operations are essential to halt drug trafficking centered around the Naf River. Law enforcement officials stated that surveillance along the Naf River and adjacent border areas has been intensified to prevent yaba smuggling. Suspicious floating objects or packages spotted in the river are being thoroughly inspected.

While smuggling attempts continue along the border, the frequent recovery of floating yaba consignments has fueled deep anxiety over these evolving tactics. Local communities demand that authorities go beyond seizing consignments to identify and bring the traffickers and their financial backers to justice.