In Chattogram, a new mafia group has emerged in the narcotics empire. Following the July-August revolution, former mafias have retreated into the shadows, allowing new figures to ascend the throne.
Some of these drug mafias have reappeared in new guises. Taking advantage of administrative 'leniency,' they are using old routes to distribute various narcotics, including yaba and ice, from Cox's Bazar across the country.
Regarding this, RAB-7 Deputy Director (Media) Major Sadman Sakib stated, "We have received information about the emergence of some new individuals in the drug trade. We are gathering information about them. We always take drug trafficking seriously. Our operations are ongoing as before."
Previously, the police led drug seizures in the Chattogram region. After the August revolution, these police activities have come to a halt, leading to a geometric decrease in anti-drug operations. Senior police officials declined to comment officially on this matter.
However, several officers, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that the police faced significant challenges following the August revolution, leading to a psychological breakdown. Since then, virtually, all types of operations have stalled, resulting in a notable decline in drug seizures.
It has been observed that after the August revolution, significant changes occurred in the dark world of narcotics. Former drug mafias, who previously operated under the protection of the ruling party, have gone underground.
Meanwhile, those who were incarcerated for extended periods have been released on bail and are now reclaiming control over the drug empire, resuming their trade. These mafias are using old routes to smuggle yaba from Cox's Bazar to Chattogram and other parts of the country.
However, as law enforcement agencies are not as active on these known routes as before, drug trafficking continues unabated.
Earlier, in July, the Department of Narcotics Control in the Chattogram division prepared a list of 298 top drug dealers to conduct extensive operations against them. The majority of these individuals are residents of Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, and the drug hotspot Teknaf.
However, after the power shift on 5 August, these activities came to a standstill, with most drug dealers going underground, causing the Department of Narcotics Control's initiatives to halt.
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
