The coastal region of Anwara in Chattogram, located along the Bay of Bengal, has emerged as a key entry point for Yaba drugs into Bangladesh. The drugs are smuggled through a complex network involving at least three rivers and the Bay of Bengal, originating from Myanmar's Sun State, known as a major drug-producing area. Once the shipments reach Anwara, they are distributed across various districts of the country.
Md Rasel, spokesperson for Chattogram Police and Additional Superintendent of Police, confirmed that authorities are closely monitoring the region. "We have placed special focus on the Anwara coastal area, and an operation against drug traffickers will begin soon," he stated.
A senior official from the Drug Control Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Anwara has been flagged as a "red zone" for several years. However, political interference has hindered enforcement efforts. "Whenever authorities attempted operations in the area, personal assistants of influential political figures would threaten the teams over the phone, forcing them to turn back," the official revealed. "As a result, Anwara has become a hotspot for Yaba smuggling."
Investigations indicate that traffickers are using Myanmar's Tuangi and Yangon rivers to smuggle Yaba from Sun State. These routes remain largely unmonitored due to the region's challenging terrain. The drugs are brought to Pathein, the capital of Myanmar's Irrawaddy Region, and then transported to the Bangladesh-Myanmar border near St. Martin Island via the Pathein River.
At the border, the drugs are transferred to local fishermen from Bangladesh, who then ferry the shipments to Anwara using fishing trawlers. The drugs enter Chattogram through at least 10 coastal points in Anwara, including Raipur in Gahira Union, Parabon area, Parki Beach, Bharachar in Barumchra Union, and several locations in Juidi Union.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has identified at least 10 individuals involved in the drug trade in Anwara, some of whom are from Teknaf in Cox’s Bazar. Local political figures, including members of the Awami League and representatives such as two Union Parishad (UP) chairmen and around 15 UP members, are believed to be facilitating the drug trade. The operation is also reportedly supported by the personal assistant of a former minister.
Various local workers, including rickshaw pullers, CNG taxi drivers, and day laborers, are allegedly acting as couriers, helping to distribute the Yaba drugs across the country.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
