There is a massive uproar in the showbiz industry regarding narcotics-related issues. Many models, actors, and actresses in the industry are now deeply concerned about use of drugs.
It has been found that many people in the industry are not just users of narcotics but are also involved in drug trafficking. As a result, many showbiz workers and artists are in fear and worried that they might be summoned for interrogating regarding the involvement with drugs.
Meanwhile, questions have arisen due to the sudden removal of the official leading this high-profile investigation. Some suspect that individuals connected to the case are exerting their influence in various ways.
Khondoker Mostafizur Rahman, director general (DG) of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), told Bangladesh Pratidin that the matter is being investigated meticulously, and those involved will be brought under the law. The investigation officers will take necessary actions to summon those suspected.
According to sources, a university student arrested with drugs led the investigation to uncover the names of top showbiz figures such as Safa, Toya, Tisha and Sunidhi linked with drug trafficking. These individuals had been regularly consuming drugs through a special WhatsApp group. The admin of this WhatsApp group, Arindam Ray Dip, a former student of North South University, has already been arrested.
The investigation has revealed alarming details from this WhatsApp group, pointing several popular actors, actresses, and models in drug consumption and trafficking.
In response to the investigation, Rahul Sen, assistant director of DNC Dhaka Metro-North, said, "After the arrest of Dip, we found proof of several top actresses and models being involved in drugs. The investigation is ongoing, and after it concludes, legal action will be taken against the individuals involved."
Multiple sources, including DNC, reported that on December 4, a team, led by Rahul Sen, conducted raids in the Gulshan and Paltan areas, arresting three drug traffickers and retrieving several drugs, including cannabis-based products and magic mushrooms, along with money from drug sales.
The arrested individuals – Kazi Maruful Islam Raj (26) and Ismail Bepari (30) from Gulshan, and Sakib Naeem (27) from Dhanmondi – are from wealthy families. The arrestees provided key information into this investigation.
It is also reported that Kazi Maruful Islam Raj, also a student from the UK, provided information on the drug involvement of many individuals from the showbiz world.
Earlier, on October 17, Arindam Ray, also known as Dip, was arrested at Dhaka Airport with a significant amount of drugs, including crystal meth, MDMA, LSD, cannabis, and other substances. Dip was detained for two days and a specialized narcotics team interrogated him.
During the interrogation, Dip's phone records, including WhatsApp chats, revealed the involvement of those popular actresses in drug consumption. Specific chat records about drug orders were also found, some of which have been shared with this reporter.
Sources say that the arrest of Dip led authorities to uncover a network that included the showbiz personalities. Chat records with those allegedly involved showbiz individuals were found on his phone.
Through digital tracking, the authorities confirmed that these phone numbers belonged to the actresses, and their drug transactions were documented.
According to insiders, many individuals working in the showbiz industry begin using drugs like yaba and other foreign substances for slimming purposes, only to eventually become addicted. Over the past 10 years, many who entered the industry have fallen into drug addiction, requiring regular drug consumption.
Some of these individuals have become "open secrets," with viral videos circulating on social media, but they remain indifferent.
It is reported that many actors and actresses regularly consume drugs in areas like Banani and Gulshan, with the authorities being aware of the situation. However, for mysterious reasons, they have remained silent on the issue.
Sources also revealed an incident in August 2021, when actress Nazifa Tushi and actor Sariful Razz were involved in a car accident at 3am in Gulshan-2. Several agencies suggested that both were under the influence of drugs. Sariful Razz was driving the car, and both sought treatment at a private hospital in Gulshan.
In addition, many young actors and actresses who entered the industry in the past decade have been seeking rapid wealth through drug trafficking. Over time, many of these individuals have become users themselves. In addition, personal breakups or family issues have pushed many actresses to seek solace in drugs.
Meanwhile, actress Mumtahina Chowdhury Toya, Safa Kabir, Sunidhi, and Tisha were contacted last Thursday night regarding their involvement in drugs. However, none of them answered the calls.
Toya eventually called back and stated, "The allegations against me are false. I have not been summoned by the Department of Narcotics Control yet. I respect the law."
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
