Drug peddling has emerged as a grave threat in the northern district of Lalmonirhat, where smuggling rackets appear determined to continue their operations despite repeated crackdowns by law enforcement agencies and numerous cases filed against those involved.
Locals living near the border with India say fear runs deep as narcotics continue to flood into villages, turning the entire areas into hubs for illegal trade.
According to law enforcement officials, at least a hundred major drug dealers remain active in just two unions of Kaliganj upazila.
Many of them are described as influential individuals, including elected local representatives, they said.
Several suspects reportedly have as many as 10 to 14 cases filed against their names.
Residents and police sources said all five upazilas in Lalmonirhat share direct border linkages with India, a condition that smugglers have long exploited.
The situation has now reached what many describe as an alarming level, as the illegal trade encompasses phensedyl, Indian liquor, tapentadol, cannabis, yaba, and other substances smuggled across the frontier.
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Despite frequent arrests, the flow of drugs shows little sign of stopping. Instead, trafficking syndicates seem to be consolidating their power, aided by money, political influence, and increasingly sophisticated networks, according to the law enforcement authorities.
In some instances, they said, there have been attempts to intimidate law enforcement officers through propaganda and harassment aimed at weakening anti-drug drives.
Police officials admit they face numerous challenges. While they regularly compile lists of known dealers and conduct targeted operations, the networks adapt swiftly. Many traffickers secure bail shortly after arrest and resume their illicit activities, they said.
Goral and Chandrapur unions in Kaliganj upazila are considered among the most vulnerable points.
A police investigation centre was established in Goral in 2021 because of its remote location from the main police station. Initially, the centre struggled due to political interference, but officers say the situation has improved following the recent change in government.
Sub-Inspector Mostakin Ahmed, who heads the Goral Investigation Centre, said he has arrested 70 accused and filed 68 cases within a year.
He acknowledged receiving threats from drug traders but vowed not to compromise under pressure.
In 2022, media reports revealed that barrels of phensedyl were being stored inside the home of local UP member Badsha, who has been arrested several times but subsequently released on bail.
He admits to past involvement but now claims to have left the trade.
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Many local residents say they fear being stigmatised simply for living in a “drug-infested village,” a label that affects social relations and even marriage prospects. Some families reported broken engagements because outsiders refuse to form ties with villages associated with smuggling.
“Just a handful of drug traders have destroyed our social environment,” said Anjurul Haque Mintu, executive director of Arannya School and College.
“Students are at risk, and our youth are losing their future," he said.
Farmers have also voiced their concerns, alleging that smugglers often damage crops at night while transporting narcotics, and that cattle smuggling tends to rise during winter.
Kaliganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zakir Hossain said operations have been intensified under the directives of the district Police Headquarters.
“We will not allow drug dealers to roam freely. Their plots will be foiled,” he asserted.
Locals, however, said until the justice system prevents quick releases on bail, border control efforts will continue to be undermined.