The issue of drug trafficking has reached alarming levels in Ramu. Following the government change on August 5, both new and long-established drug dealers have formed a powerful syndicate, actively running a flourishing drug trade. With clever strategies, these syndicates are evading law enforcement and transporting yaba, crystal meth, alcohol, marijuana, and Burmese cigarettes through various points in the area.

From January to October this year, 365 drug cases have been filed in Ramu Police Station. However, most of the accused, after being released on bail, are returning to the drug trade. Concerned citizens are questioning why, despite regular police operations, drug trafficking remains unstoppable.

Advocate Shipto Barua stated, “Due to inadequate prosecution, most drug offenders are getting released. The use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement could simplify case evidence and ensure punishment for actual criminals.”

Investigations reveal that major roads and hill paths, including Ramu-Morichha, Panjaganna-Sonaichhari, Ramu-Naikhongchhari, and Monirjhil, are used daily to smuggle drugs worth millions of taka. These traffickers have a dedicated surveillance team to monitor law enforcement activities, ensuring safe passage for the drugs. Some syndicates are even actively working to tarnish the image of law enforcement. On August 20, an attempt was made to implicate Ramu Police Station’s SI Sunayan Barua in drug-related activities.

Student leader Mohammed Haque Jony commented, “While the regular police operations catch some minor drug carriers, the real kingpins remain untouchable, which is why drug trafficking has not been fully eradicated.”

Further investigations reveal that influential individuals, including former and current local representatives and politicians, are involved in supporting drug smuggling. These syndicates possess deadly firearms, which they use to maintain control over their trade. This year on June 3, a drug smuggler was killed in a gunfight with the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) in Gorjania Union, and on August 18, an official from the Department of Narcotics Control’s Teknaf office was arrested in Ramu with 70,000 yaba tablets.

When asked about measures to curb drug trafficking in Ramu, Assistant Director of the Department of Narcotics Control in Cox’s Bazar, Mohammad Sirajul Mostafa, said, “We are working every day to prevent drug trafficking. If anyone provides us with accurate information, we conduct operations accordingly.”

He further assured that if anyone from his department is found involved in drug-related activities, strict action will be taken against them.

END/SHMC/DHK/RH