Bribery Scandal Behind Drug Raids
The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), the government agency responsible for preventing and controlling drug abuse in Bangladesh, is facing allegations of corruption and links between some officials and drug dealers. Despite operating for 36 years, the DNC has failed to contain the spread of drugs, with illegal substances now reportedly available in cities, villages and remote areas. Intelligence sources say other law enforcement agencies often recover more drugs than the DNC. The agency has also faced criticism for failing to arrest major members of drug syndicates or seize large consignments.
Sources allege that some DNC officials demand bribes during drug raids and recovery operations. There are also allegations that seized drugs, cash and valuables are partially concealed or misappropriated, while some innocent people are threatened or detained to extract money. A DNC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a separate mechanism is needed to properly investigate the large number of complaints filed against field-level officials every month. Although departmental action has been taken against some accused officials, sources allege that punishment often amounts to transfers. There are also claims that some officials receive favourable postings despite allegations of misconduct.
The allegations have also surfaced in a recent case involving four DNC officials in Dhaka. An informant, Abul Khair, filed a complaint in court alleging that officials misappropriated seized drugs and money and subjected him to torture. The court has assigned the case to the Detective Branch for investigation. According to him, officials recorded Tk 50,000 as seized cash, although around Tk 297,000 was allegedly recovered. He also claimed that while 20,000 yaba tablets were recorded, at least 40,000 were actually recovered. Similarly, the recorded heroin seizure was 400 grams, while the actual amount was allegedly around 1.5kg.
In another complaint, a businessman from Nikunja alleged that DNC officials demanded Tk 1 crore by threatening to implicate him in a false drug case. He claimed he was taken to different locations and forced to pay a large amount of money. Several DNC officials were named in the complaint. Senior officials were not available for comment on the allegations. The drug crisis has also been linked to serious violence. Four members of a teacher’s family in Rangpur were recently killed in an incident allegedly involving drug users. Earlier, lecturer Ariful Islam of Lalmonirhat Government Technical School and College died after being attacked while attempting to prevent drug use.
The DNC has recently received additional facilities, including firearms, modern vehicles and specialised training. Officials have also received training at home and abroad. Mukul Jyoti Chakma, Deputy Director (Operations) of the DNC, said, “departmental investigations are underway on all types of complaints. Action is being taken against the culprits.” He added, “And we are making every effort to control drugs. There is no lack of sincerity in this.”
