In two separate anti-narcotics operations conducted in Sherpur upazila of Bogura district, members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-12) arrested three individuals and seized a substantial quantity of illicit substances. The coordinated drives, carried out in the early morning and again in the afternoon on Wednesday (18 February), underscore the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb drug trafficking along key inter-district highways.
According to RAB sources, the first operation was launched at approximately 6:40 a.m. on the Dhaka–Rangpur highway near the Swakkhar Filling Station in Hamchapur village under Shahbandegi ইউনিয়ন. Acting on confidential intelligence, a RAB-12 team intercepted a passenger coach travelling from Cumilla to Thakurgaon. Upon searching the vehicle, officers recovered 29 kilograms of cannabis concealed within passengers’ luggage. Two suspects—Md. Suman Mia (28) and Md. Saiful Islam (27)—were detained at the scene. Authorities also confiscated two basic mobile phones and two SIM cards allegedly used in coordinating the drug transaction.
Later, at around 2:30 p.m., RAB-12 personnel carried out another operation in the Sonka এলাকায় of Bhabanipur ইউনিয়ন, near the Nabil Highway Restaurant Jame Mosque. A Dinajpur-to-Dhaka-bound passenger bus was stopped and searched. During the operation, Md. Mamunur Rashid (45), a resident of West Ramnagar under Kotwali Police Station in Dinajpur, was arrested. Law enforcers recovered 60 bottles of Phensedyl (locally known as “Fayardil”) and two bottles of Eskaf cough syrup from his possession—both commonly misused as intoxicants.
Summary of the Operations
| Sl. No. | Name of Accused | Age | District of Residence | Drugs Seized | Quantity | Items Confiscated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Md. Mamunur Rashid | 45 | Dinajpur (Kotwali) | Phensedyl, Eskaf syrup | 60 bottles, 2 bottles | — |
| 2 | Md. Suman Mia | 28 | Cumilla Sadar South | Cannabis | 29 kg | 2 mobile phones, 2 SIMs |
| 3 | Md. Saiful Islam | 27 | Nilphamari | Cannabis (jointly recovered) | 29 kg (shared consignment) | 2 mobile phones, 2 SIMs |
RAB officials stated that organised networks frequently exploit inter-district highways to transport narcotics, often using passenger buses as cover to avoid suspicion. The recovered cannabis—estimated to be worth several hundred thousand taka on the black market—was reportedly destined for distribution in northern districts.
Authorities emphasised that cough syrups such as Phensedyl and Eskaf are frequently abused by young people due to their codeine content, posing serious health and social risks. The suspects have been handed over to Sherpur Police Station in Bogura, and cases are being prepared under the Narcotics Control Act.
RAB-12 affirmed that such operations will continue as part of a broader campaign to dismantle trafficking networks and promote a drug-free society. Officials also highlighted the importance of public cooperation and intelligence-sharing in ensuring the success of anti-narcotics initiatives across Bangladesh.