Police Launch Tough Crackdown on Drugs and Smuggling in Gowainghat, Drugs Worth Over Tk 6 Million Seized.

Naeem Ahmed, Jaintapur-Gowainghat Sylhet. Police have been conducting continuous drives against drugs, smuggling and other criminal activities in the border-area upazila of Gowainghat in Sylhet. During an 81-day period from July 3 to September 22, police arrested 253 people in connection with various crimes. During the same period, 28 drug cases were filed and a large quantity of narcotics worth more than Tk 6 million was recovered, according to police. The drives were conducted under the overall direction of Gowainghat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Omar Faruk. Of those arrested, 32 were arrested in drug cases, 23 in smuggling cases, 61 under GR warrants, 13 under GR conviction warrants, 40 under CR warrants, 11 under CR conviction warrants and 64 in regular cases. In addition, nine people were arrested under Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. According to police sources, 32 people were arrested in 28 drug cases, and 160 litres of locally produced liquor, 2,575 bottles of Indian Eskuf cough syrup, 167 bottles and 42 cans of various types of Indian liquor, 1,680 yaba tablets and 61.5 packets of cannabis were recovered from their possession. Police said the estimated value of the seized narcotics is more than Tk 6 million. Meanwhile, the Gowainghat police have been giving special attention to preventing smuggling due to the area’s location along the international border. During this period, 23 people were arrested in 17 smuggling cases. A large quantity of Indian contraband and various vehicles allegedly used for smuggling were also seized. The seized goods included 312,500 sticks of Indian Nasir cigarettes, estimated to be worth Tk 520,200; 1,900 kilograms of Indian cumin worth approximately Tk 950,000; 9,872 pieces of chocolates and other products from various Indian brands; and 220 bottles of Indian olive oil, Dabur Amla hair oil and various cosmetic products. In addition, Indian iPhones, other mobile phones and baggage items were seized. Police also seized an old unregistered CNG-run auto-rickshaw, a pickup, a DI pickup, engine-powered wooden and barki boats, and motorcycles of various brands allegedly used in smuggling. Police claim that the continuous drives have created pressure on those involved in drug trafficking and smuggling. At the same time, allegations have emerged of misinformation and propaganda against police officials through social media and other platforms. According to police, a vested interest group is deliberately spreading such misinformation because of the ongoing crackdown on criminal activities. Police said they would continue their operations without being distracted by such propaganda. Gowainghat Police Station OC Md. Omar Faruk said, “The police are working tirelessly to make Gowainghat upazila free from drugs, smuggling and all forms of crime. I urge the general public not to pay heed to any misinformation or misleading reports and to cooperate with the police in preventing crime.” He further said the police’s zero-tolerance policy and strict operations against border-related crimes would continue in the future to ensure the safety and security of the people.