Huge consignment of heroin seized on Bangladesh-Burma border

Huge consignment of heroin seized on Bangladesh-Burma border
A large amount of heroin weighing 2 kgs 25 gms and 505 Yaba tablets were seized by the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) yesterday at Teknaf Union from a coach ...

Teknaf, Bangladesh: A large amount of heroin weighing 2 kgs 25 gms and 505 Yaba tablets were seized by the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) yesterday at Teknaf Union from a coach, which was traveling from Dhaka to Teknaf, according to a BDR source.

In connection with the incident, five people were arrested, on suspicion, while two cars were also seized.

Acting on a tip-off, a group of BDR personnel led by Lt Col Mohammed Mozamal Hussain, Commander of 42 battalion of Teknaf went to Dum Dum BDR check post of Teknaf Union to check a coach, which was traveling from Dhaka to Teknaf. The chair coach reached the check post, at around 8:00 am; it has the number Dhaka-Metro144486.

BDR personnel found two packets of heroin wrapped in polythene and cloth inside the car. The heroin weighed 2 kgs and 250 gms. It is worth Taka 10 million. On suspicion, one passenger, the car supervisor, the car helper and the car driver were arrested, the BDR source added.

The arrestees were identified as Naimul Houque (46), son of Mozamal Hoque, who hails from Batil Khali village of Borichal district, car driver Md. Abul Baser (39), son of Sha Alam, who hails from Bandaria village of Peroz Pur, car helper Soman Dash (31), son of Deran Chandra, who hails from Protal Pur of Borichal district, and passenger Fayazul Islam (35) son of Saiful Hoque, who hails from Netaung Para of Teknaf Union.

Besides, the BDR also seized 505 Yaba tablets worth Taka 100,000, in two packets from a jeep, which was standing near the Nayapara market of Sarbran union under the Teknaf Upazila at about 9:00 am. The jeep number is Denaz Pur Ka-1624.  Helper Md. Shaker (22), son of Ali Ahmed, who hails from new Palton Para of Teknaf Upazila was also arrested, said a local, who has close relations with the BDR.

It is surprising for the local people and government officers as heroin usually comes from Burma to Bangladesh, but this time it was being carried to Teknaf from Dhaka. At first, it was probably brought to India from Burma and then to Dhaka from India, said a local elder from Teknaf, who declined to be named.

Similarly, members of BDR of 33 battalion in a drive on October 24 night recovered 2.4 kgs of heroine from Sugazi bus stand of Comilla.

The BDR, police and other concerned authorities have been trying to stop the smuggling of drugs to Bangladesh from Burma or India, but it continues, said a trader from Cox’s Bazaar.