Fake Government Sticker Car Used For Yaba Smuggling Foiled

A suspected attempt to smuggle yaba using a private car bearing a Ministry of Home Affairs sticker has been foiled in Cox’s Bazar’s Ramu, with three people arrested by the Department of Narcotics Control. During the operation, 6,000 yaba tablets were recovered from a concealed compartment inside the vehicle’s dashboard.

The incident has drawn public attention as investigators believe the government sticker may have been used as a tactic to avoid scrutiny by law enforcement agencies. Officials said smugglers are increasingly adopting new methods to transport illegal drugs, including the misuse of official-looking symbols and identities.

According to the Department of Narcotics Control, a team from its Cox’s Bazar district office conducted the operation at around 10am on Wednesday (15 July) in the Rubber Garden area of Joarianala Union, under Ramu upazila, along the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar highway.

The operation was launched following confidential information that a drug trafficking group was transporting a yaba consignment from Cox’s Bazar city towards Dhaka in a private car. Acting on the information, officials set up surveillance in the area and began checking suspicious vehicles travelling along the highway.

The arrested individuals were identified as Sabbir Hossain, 36, son of Abdul Gafur from Shalukia area of Chauddagram in Cumilla; Sima Islam, 22, daughter of the late Shahidul Islam Sabuj from West Nao area of Rupganj in Narayanganj; and Urmi Akter Usha, 18, wife of Shakil Mridha from South Bishil area under Darussalam Police Station in Dhaka.

Deputy Director of the Department of Narcotics Control’s Cox’s Bazar district office, Somen Mondal, said the authorities received information about a coordinated drug shipment being carried in a private vehicle. A special team was immediately deployed to the highway to intercept the suspected vehicle.

During the search operation, a private car displaying a Ministry of Home Affairs sticker attracted the attention of the officials. When asked to stop, the driver allegedly attempted to flee instead of complying with the instructions. The enforcement team followed the vehicle and managed to intercept it after a short pursuit.

Following the arrest, the three occupants reportedly claimed that they had connections with several officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs. However, the Department of Narcotics Control said that verification through the relevant authorities found no evidence supporting their claims.

A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 6,000 yaba tablets hidden inside the dashboard. The private car, which was allegedly used for transporting the narcotics, was also seized by the authorities.

Officials said the use of a government sticker appeared to be an attempt to create a false impression of legitimacy and avoid checks by law enforcement personnel. They added that criminal groups involved in drug trafficking often explore different methods to bypass security measures, including creating hidden compartments in vehicles and using false identities or influential connections.

A case has been filed at Ramu Police Station under the relevant provisions of the Narcotics Control Act against the arrested individuals. The recovered yaba tablets and seized vehicle have been kept as part of the investigation.

Cox’s Bazar remains one of the major routes used by drug traffickers due to its geographical location near the country’s border areas. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly warned that organised groups are changing their tactics to move illegal substances across the country.

Officials from the Department of Narcotics Control said surveillance has been strengthened on highways and key transport routes to prevent such activities. They also stressed that misuse of government symbols, official identities or other deceptive methods to facilitate criminal activities would face strict legal action.