Unabated cross-border drug smuggling in Feni

Four organised drug syndicates in connivance with local law enforcing agencies have been smuggling various illicit drugs into the country through the 50 km Gilabaria-Amtali border.

The gangs, who also enjoy the covert support of local political leaders, are mainly trafficking in phensidyl, heroin, cocaine and pethidine and sending those to various parts of the country through their own network, sources said.

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More than 100 members are involved in the Tk 50 crore annual drug trade, they added.

These members are so powerful that many businessmen feel insecure in expanding their businesses.

"We feel insecure in investing fresh funds in sand exploration and process industry as well as in the furniture industry as the drug peddlers move here freely," said Saidur Rahman Sadi, a sand trader.

Such operations along the border by the drug traffickers may even lead to cross-border tensions, he added.

Sources said the drug kingpins are now using the former cadres of Joynal Hazari to set up a strong base to expand their network across the country.

The gangs now send the illicit drugs to Dhaka, Chittagong and the neighbouring districts.

Two gangs led by Fakir Chand and Mushfiqur Rahman alias Gaja Mushi maintain liaison with the traffickers across the border while two other gangs led by Khokon and Zikloo operate the local network, sources said.

Sultanpur slum, Kabiraj Dhigi, Sweeper Colony and Polleshwar areas in Feni are the safe havens for the drug trade operators.

Besides, Golkananda building area, PTI School, Bashpara quarters, Master Para, Daudpur and Mohammad Ali's Market areas are havens for drug peddlers.

Sources said local ruling party leaders also receive a huge amount from the drug peddlers.

Recently, the businessmen staged a demonstration in Feni demanding immediate intervention of the prime minister to curb the social menace for the greater interest of the country.