A major anti-narcotics operation in the Kafrul area of Dhaka has led to the arrest of a 56-year-old man and the seizure of a large quantity of illegally stored alcoholic beverages, with an estimated market value of nearly Tk 70 lakh, according to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
The arrested individual, Adil Haider Selim, was detained during a late-night raid conducted at a residential building in Shewrapara under Kafrul Police Station. Officials confirmed that the operation was launched on Monday night following credible intelligence regarding the storage, concealment and suspected distribution of illicit alcohol in the area.
RAB-1 Assistant Superintendent of Police and media officer Shah Alam said on Tuesday that the elite force had been monitoring the location for some time due to suspected involvement in an organised liquor distribution network operating within parts of Kafrul and adjoining areas of the capital.
Acting on the intelligence, RAB personnel conducted a search operation at house number 970 in Shewrapara, where they discovered a significant stockpile of both foreign and locally produced alcoholic beverages. Officers said the quantity recovered indicated large-scale commercial storage intended for illegal distribution.
Details of Seized Liquor Consignment
| Category | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Foreign liquor | 321.84 litres |
| Foreign beer | 15.84 litres |
| Local beer | 15.84 litres |
| Local liquor | 633 litres |
| Total estimated value | Tk 69,70,400 (approx. Tk 70 lakh) |
| Location of seizure | House No. 970, Shewrapara, Kafrul, Dhaka |
| Arrested suspect | Adil Haider Selim (56) |
| Date of operation | Monday night |
According to RAB officials, the seized alcohol was being illegally stored and allegedly supplied through a wider distribution network operating across multiple parts of Dhaka. Authorities believe the consignment formed part of an organised supply chain targeting unauthorised retail points and bar-related outlets.
During the operation, another individual reportedly connected to the network managed to flee the scene before he could be apprehended. He has been identified as Syed Nahid Islam, manager of Sheol Restaurant and Bar Limited. RAB stated that he escaped upon noticing the presence of law enforcement officers and is currently absconding.
Preliminary investigations suggest that both the arrested suspect and the fleeing manager were jointly involved in the storage, handling and distribution of illegal alcoholic products. Officials further indicated that the stockpile had been accumulated for commercial circulation without proper authorisation or licensing.
Following the raid, the seized liquor was transferred to Kafrul Police Station in accordance with legal procedures. A case has been registered against Adil Haider Selim under the Narcotics Control Act, while law enforcement agencies have launched efforts to locate and arrest the absconding suspect.
Authorities have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and will focus on identifying additional members of the suspected distribution network. Surveillance in the surrounding areas has also been intensified to prevent similar illegal storage and trafficking activities in the future.
RAB officials described the operation as part of their continuing nationwide crackdown on narcotics and unregulated alcohol distribution networks, particularly in urban centres where such activities are often concealed within residential properties and commercial establishments operating under the guise of legitimate businesses.