Cox’s Bazar, Dec 17 (V7N) – Yaba trafficking remains active along Bangladesh’s border regions, widely regarded as some of the most dangerous drug smuggling routes in the country, despite multiple operations by law enforcement agencies. Intelligence sources and local residents say organized syndicates continue to control these corridors, particularly in parts of Ukhiya and adjacent border points.

According to officials familiar with the matter, yaba tablets are smuggled into Bangladesh from neighboring Myanmar through remote and difficult terrain along the border. The consignments are then moved to local storage facilities and transit points before being distributed to different districts across the country. The operation reportedly involves multiple layers, including line operators, carriers, intermediaries, and managers.

A senior intelligence official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the same syndicate has remained active for years at several border points, including areas of Naikhyangchhari and Ratnapalong Union in Ukhiya, such as Karaibania and Chakbaita. “Large consignments can hardly move without their approval,” the official said.

Investigations and local accounts allege that two individuals, identified as Mizan, son of Hanif, and Faruk, son of Shamsul Alam, both from the Karaibania area of Ratnapalong Union, have long exercised influence over part of the smuggling network. Sources claim they do not operate directly on the ground but manage yaba crossings and distribution through intermediaries and local carriers.

On December 10, Mizan and Faruk were named as accused in a case filed by the authorities after Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) chased suspected smugglers who allegedly fled, leaving behind yaba worth approximately Tk 24 lakh. The case was filed at Ukhiya Police Station as Case No. 18, with Nayek Mohammad Ayub Nabi of the Rajupura BOP listed as the complainant. Contacted by reporters, he said he is currently on leave.

Local residents said unusual silence often descends on the area ahead of large consignments. “Many people know who controls these routes, but they are afraid to speak,” said one resident, requesting anonymity.

As Mizan and Faruk remain absconding, their statements could not be obtained.

Several conscious residents of the Karaibania area alleged that yaba syndicates ensure protection not only through money but also by using influence and, in some cases, weapons. They claimed that the involvement of dishonest individuals, information leaks, and local collaboration enable smugglers to evade law enforcement repeatedly.

The Department of Narcotics Control and other law enforcement agencies said surveillance along the border has been intensified. Officials said they are using technology and source-based intelligence to identify and dismantle major syndicates.

Ukhiya Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Ahmed said operations are ongoing to arrest absconding suspects Mizan and Faruk in connection with yaba-related cases.

Meanwhile, Commander of BGB Battalion 34, Lieutenant Colonel S. M. Khairul Alam, PSC, said intelligence monitoring has been further strengthened to identify fugitive drug traffickers and bring them under the law. He added that BGB remains equally committed to preventing drug trafficking and smuggling, alongside its regular border security duties, and that such operations will continue in the future.

END/SIC/SMA/