Drug Kingpins Remain Untouchable as the Drug Trade Runs Rampant

Abu Hena Mukti

Southwestern region awash with drugs, Part-II

Drug dealers are being arrested almost every day in police and RAB raids, but the masterminds remain out of reach. Against this backdrop, Police Headquarters has given a one-month ultimatum to the DIG of Khulna Range, the police commissioner and police superintendents. The IGP issued the directive two days ago, expressing concern over the situation. The move has prompted the police administration to take action.

According to sources, street-level dealers sell drugs from small makeshift huts or rooms, while the major share of the profits goes to the masterminds. Although retailers and couriers are frequently arrested in regular law-enforcement operations, the main financiers remain beyond reach due to political protection or other strategic reasons. It is difficult to gather direct evidence against the main smugglers because of their social influence and political backing. In some cases, information about raids is leaked through drug-linked members of the police or informants, allowing the ringleaders to escape. The masterminds also avoid personally carrying drugs and remain protected through political influence or other means.

Meanwhile, the battle for control of the drug market has pushed the Khulna region towards severe lawlessness. The law-and-order situation has deteriorated, with at least 50 people reportedly killed in recent months in clashes over control of the trade. Criminal groups are engaged in increasingly violent conflicts to control a business worth Tk 8 billion–Tk 10 billion a month. From teenagers to top criminals, many now have access to foreign-made pistols, rifles, shutter guns and other modern weapons. The widespread availability of illegal firearms has caused fear among local residents.

Despite regular special operations and the arrest of hundreds of small-time dealers in the southwestern region, the main financiers and masterminds continue to evade arrest. The Department of Narcotics Control and joint forces frequently arrest retailers and couriers, while those behind the trade remain hidden. Recent joint operations have brought a large number of drug traders under the law. However, statistics show that nearly 95 percent of recovered drugs are seized while being transported, allowing the masterminds to remain behind the scenes. In separate special operations by Khulna Metropolitan Police, many criminals, including members of the ‘B-Company’, have also been arrested.

Sources said the masterminds generally do not personally remain involved in drug consignments. Instead, they use women, children and people from poor backgrounds as couriers in exchange for money. The use of mobile banking and encrypted apps has also made it difficult to identify the locations of the main financiers. Khulna Metropolitan Police and RAB-6 regularly conduct special operations in Khulna city and surrounding areas, arresting street-level dealers with yaba, cannabis and firearms.

A powerful influential network is reportedly behind the drug trade in the region. While some small-time sellers or street-level dealers are arrested by law-enforcement agencies, the main ringleaders continue to evade arrest. Backed by political influence and substantial financial resources, they have maintained their syndicates. They are increasingly using young people and women as “delivery agents” or couriers to protect themselves.

Intelligence sources said the use of illegal firearms is increasing as criminal groups fight for control of Khulna’s drug market. At least six criminal groups are active in the trade. The most influential is reportedly the syndicate of Grenade Babu. Alongside Grenade Babu, clashes over dominance among the groups of Sheikh Palash, Nur Azim and Ashik frequently turn bloody. The six criminal groups together reportedly control drug transactions worth Tk 8 billion–Tk 10 billion a month.

Khulna Range DIG Md Mostafizur Rahman has declared a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. He warned that not only dealers and couriers but also the masterminds would be brought to justice. If necessary, their sources of income would be investigated and legal action taken. He also made it clear that police personnel found involved with drugs or drug dealers would receive no leniency.

The DIG further said the sources of income of couriers, financiers and masterminds would be investigated and legal action taken. If any police member is found involved in drugs or criminal activities, the strictest legal measures will be taken against them. A special week-long anti-drug operation has begun in border districts, including Satkhira, to curb drugs and smuggling. Intelligence-led policing, technology-based investigations, increased social awareness and strict measures to prevent mob violence will be undertaken to combat drugs and teenage gangs.

To make the anti-drug campaign in the Khulna Range successful, the police have called on public representatives, social organisations, the media and ordinary citizens to come forward together and build a social movement against drugs.