COX’S BAZAR, Aug 21 (V7N) — Recent seizures of large quantities of yaba and phensedyl in Ukhiya and Teknaf have renewed concerns over the persistent movement of illegal drugs through Bangladesh’s southeastern border areas.

In three separate incidents, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) recovered 1,53,800 yaba tablets and 50 bottles of phensedyl, while several suspects were detained and a vehicle allegedly used to transport drugs was seized.

In the latest operation, BGB’s Ukhiya Battalion (64 BGB) recovered approximately 1,30,000 yaba tablets from two fish baskets near the Ulubonia BSP Post in Ukhiya on Thursday afternoon.

According to BGB, three people entered Bangladesh from the Myanmar side carrying the baskets while posing as fishermen. When a BGB patrol team ordered them to stop, they abandoned the baskets and fled towards a nearby village.

A search of the baskets led to the recovery of the yaba tablets, packed in airtight packets and contained in 13 packets. BGB said efforts were under way to identify those involved in the attempted smuggling.

Earlier, police in Teknaf recovered 23,800 yaba tablets from an auto-rickshaw during an anti-drug operation at around 10pm on Wednesday. The vehicle was also seized in connection with the case.

Police said a case had been filed under the Narcotics Control Act and efforts were continuing to identify and bring those involved in drug trafficking to justice.

In another operation in Ukhiya on Wednesday night, RAB-15 detained a man and a woman with 50 bottles of phensedyl from the road near the Balukhali Customs, Excise and VAT Checkpost.

The detainees were identified as Nurul Islam, 23, of Whykong in Teknaf, and Rafia Begum, 28. RAB said the phensedyl was recovered from a jute bag they were carrying while travelling in a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw. Two mobile phones and two handbags were also seized.

A case was filed against the two under the Narcotics Control Act, and they were handed over to the police along with the seized drugs and other evidence.

The repeated recovery of illegal drugs in the Ukhiya-Teknaf border region highlights the continuing challenge posed by cross-border drug trafficking. The incidents also underline the need for sustained intelligence-led operations, stronger border surveillance and closer coordination among law enforcement agencies.

At the same time, authorities and community leaders say public awareness must remain a key part of the response. Greater awareness among residents, transport workers and young people about the social, health and legal consequences of drug abuse can help prevent vulnerable communities from becoming involved in the illegal drug trade.

Law enforcement agencies have pledged to continue operations against drug trafficking. However, sustained enforcement, stronger action against organised trafficking networks and increased public cooperation will be essential to curb the regular movement of drugs into the country.

The continuing seizures serve as a reminder that preventing drug trafficking is not solely a law-enforcement responsibility. Community awareness, responsible reporting and coordinated action by authorities and citizens are equally important to protect society from the long-term consequences of drug abuse.

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