Rajshahi, July 2 (V7N) — Drug prices have sharply increased in Rajshahi’s Bagha upazila, a border area, while usage and criminal activity continue to rise. Local leaders and residents have expressed grave concern over the growing influence of a politically affiliated drug syndicate leader, reportedly named in 14 narcotics cases filed at Bagha Police Station.
 
According to local sources, rising water levels in the Padma River during monsoon season are enabling smugglers to bring in increased quantities of drugs such as phensedyl, yaba, and heroin from India. Drug traffickers are allegedly using river routes to transport narcotics under the cover of night, making enforcement difficult.
 
In recent months, four separate monthly meetings on law and order, narcotics control, smuggling prevention, and anti-sabotage strategies have raised alarms over the worsening situation.
 
Teachers and residents from border areas, including Alaipur, report that organized syndicates are again active, with many previously hidden traffickers now operating openly. They say that drug use and availability have directly contributed to increased thefts, mobile financial scams, and property crime. In Bausa Union alone, 10 thefts were reported in the past three months.
 
Local accounts claim that phensedyl, which used to sell for Tk 300–500 per bottle, now sells for Tk 1,500–2,000, yet usage remains steady. Residents allege that a local political leader is involved in coordinating drug trafficking and using intimidation to avoid exposure or arrest.
 
Police sources, requesting anonymity, revealed that the upazila has around 300 known drug traffickers across 10–12 villages. Police records list over 200 suspects. Although past years saw up to 35 drug-related cases per month, recent figures show a slight decline.
 
Bagha Police Officer-in-Charge A.F.M. Asaduzzaman said that while isolated criminal incidents occur, overall law and order has improved. However, he noted that the police cannot eliminate drug crime alone and called on the public and border agencies, including the Department of Narcotics Control and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), to collaborate more actively.
 
In a special operation on June 30, police recovered cannabis and phensedyl and arrested five individuals. Asaduzzaman assured that police action against drug-related crimes will continue in full force.
 
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