Drugs pose as problem in Uttarkhan of Dhaka

Cannabis, yaba and other narcotic substances, as well as liquor, are being bought and sold publicly in Uttarkhan of the capital city, according to residents and police officials.

They said young people in increasing numbers are getting addicted to phensedyl, cannabis (ganja) and yaba. The police and officials of thr narcotics control department are taking no action to tackle the situation, the local people alleged.

"The narcotic traders especially target the places where youths generally gather and sell drugs there. The drugs are spreading in Uttarkhan due to the inaction of the law enforcers," resident of Moinartek Rabiul Islam told Prothom Alo.

According to Uttarkhan police station, which has been included to the capital Dhaka recently, a total of 214 cases were filed with the police station. Of them, 152 cases are related to narcotics.

According to the police, some 107 persons have been arrested under the drug control act between August and December. Of them, four are women. Most of persons were detained with yabas and phensdyl.

Uttarkhan police station officer-in-charge Helal Uddin denied that they were inactive. He said the police have been carrying out raids and have detained drug dealers.

Residents at Kachkura, Moinertek, Chamurkhan, Noakhola, Bhaturia, Betuli, said the main problem of these areas is drugs.

The residents said around 50 people including Liza of Mastarpara Shahi Mashjid area, Madarbari's Sohel, Sohan, Sabbir, Rubel of Kachkura, Uttarkhan's Jahir, Uttarkhan Shah Kabir Mazar area's Manik, his son Kala Sajib and his accomplice Shamim are involved in the drug trade.

The residents alleged police know them but do not arrest them.

Police said there is a list of 43 narcotic traders in the Uttarkhan police station. Of them, some 21 persons are identified drug dealers.

The residents said drugs are bought and sold publicly near Uttarkhan mazar area.

Kala Manik and his son Kala Sajib control the drug trade in the mazar area. There are over 50 drug traders in their group. They carry the drugs when they are contacted over phone.

Balu, Turag, Nali rivers and Baigar lake flows by Uttarkhan. There are ghats at Kumud Khola, Munda, Mauchhaeed areas.

According to residents, narcotics are transported through river routes. The narcotics mainly come from Tongi, Kaliganj and Rupganj. The drug addicts themselves bring drugs from Tongi crossing river.

Chairman of Uttarkhan Kamal Uddin said drugs could not be bought and sold so rampantly if police were active.