Drug Trade Spreads in Tongi, Fueling Mugging and Weapon Use, 402 Cases, 956 Arrests

Despite repeated anti-drug drives, hundreds of arrests and the seizure of drugs and locally made weapons, drug trafficking and mugging continue in Tongi, Gazipur. Disputes among criminal groups over control of the drug trade, along with allegations of weapon use and attacks, have also emerged.

According to police statistics, 402 cases involving drugs, mugging and robbery were filed at Tongi East and West police stations during the first nine months of this year. A total of 956 people were arrested in these cases.

Police data show that from January to September, Tongi East Police Station recorded 56 cases of robbery and mugging and 146 drug-related cases. A total of 533 people were arrested in the drug cases. During the same period, Tongi West Police Station recorded 40 cases of robbery and mugging and 166 drug-related cases.

Despite the number of cases and arrests, the drug trade has not been brought under full control, raising questions about the root of the problem. Local residents allege that drug dealing has continued for years in Tongi’s slums, areas near railway lines, around industrial facilities and other densely populated neighbourhoods. Disputes among several groups over control and dominance of the drug trade have also emerged.

According to locals, the drug trade is no longer limited to drug use and sales. It has become linked to crimes such as mugging, extortion, weapon use and clashes. People are particularly concerned about muggings at night near railway lines, stations and deserted roads.

Alleged Links to Drug Trade in Homicides

Recent incidents have brought fresh allegations of disputes between drug traders and criminal groups. In the Gopalpur area, a man named Nurul Islam was allegedly attacked with a sharp weapon in the Alekertek area and killed after the tendons in both his legs were cut. Some local residents claim that a dispute over control of the drug trade may have been behind the killing. However, the actual motive must be established through investigation.

Similarly, the death of a young man in front of the railway station in Tongi’s Banker Math area has prompted local discussion about a possible dispute involving drug traders and criminal groups. However, the actual cause of the incident and the roles of those involved need to be determined through investigation.

Weapons Recovered, Police Also Attacked

Police and other law enforcement agencies have conducted anti-drug operations in different areas of Tongi, including Haji Mazar slum and Ershadnagar. Several people have been arrested and drugs and locally made weapons have been recovered during these operations. Police also recently reported recovering seven locally made weapons from a house in Tongi while investigating a murder case.

Law enforcement agencies have also faced resistance during operations. In September, a group allegedly attacked police near Tongi railway station and snatched an accused person who was in handcuffs. The incident has raised fresh concerns among local residents about the influence and boldness of criminal groups.

Those concerned say that simply arresting drug users and street-level sellers will not provide a lasting solution. It is necessary to identify the main suppliers, financiers, transporters and local patrons of the drug trade. Authorities also need to investigate whether the money generated from drug trafficking is linked to mugging and armed criminal groups.

Shafiqul Islam Khan, deputy commissioner of the Crime South Division of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, said, “Regular operations are being conducted to curb drugs and terrorism. Criminals are being arrested alongside the recovery of drugs and weapons. Operations are continuing in areas including Haji Mazar slum to maintain law and order.”