Drug peddling has emerged as a grave threat in Lalmonirhat, where smuggling rackets appear determined to continue their operations despite repeated crackdowns by law enforcement agencies and numerous cases filed against those involved.
People of the area living near the border with India have said that 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 in the district.
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.
Police and people of the area have said that 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, hemp, Yaba and other substances smuggled across the frontier.
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 have said that there have been attempts to intimidate law enforcement officers through propaganda and harassment aimed at weakening anti-drug drives.
Police officials admit that 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 under Kaliganj are considered among the most vulnerable points.
A police investigation centre was established at Goral in 2021 because of its remote location from the main police station. Initially, the centre struggled due to political interference, but officers say that the situation has improved following the recent change in government.
Sub-inspector Mostakin Ahmed, who heads the Goral Investigation Centre, has said that 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.
People of the area have said that they fear being stigmatised simply for living in a 鈥榙rug-infested village鈥�, 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.
鈥楯ust a handful of drug traders have destroyed our social environment,鈥� said Anjurul Haque Mintu, executive director of Arannya School and College.
鈥楽tudents are at risk, and our youth are losing their future,鈥� he said.
Farmers have also voiced their concerns, alleging that smugglers often damage crops at night while transporting narcotics and those cattle smuggling tends to rise during winter.
Kaliganj police station officer-in-charge Zakir Hossain has said that operations have been intensified under the directives of the district police headquarters.
鈥榃e will not allow drug dealers to roam freely. Their plots will be foiled,鈥� he asserted.
People of the area, however, have said that until the justice system prevents quick releases on bail, border control efforts will continue to be undermined.
