The interim government has directed the Department of Narcotics Control to focus on apprehending major drug lords, not just the couriers.
"It is imperative not only to target the carriers but also to capture the major drug kingpins," said Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury during a meeting with senior officials on Tuesday (17 September).
"The ongoing joint operations must be intensified, and daily progress reports should be submitted. The department’s performance will be evaluated based on the success of these efforts," he added.
He also emphasised that if corruption remains unchecked, the current government's success would be compromised. He urged the officials to remain free from bribery and corruption, asserting that drug abuse leads to devastating consequences for families, communities, and the nation.
The adviser called for a transformation in the mindset of the department's personnel to work earnestly towards eradicating drug trafficking by any means necessary.
Furthermore, the he noted that while the Department of Narcotics Control has uniforms, it lacks weapons. He suggested that for the effective execution of operations, arming the officials might be necessary, and advised the inclusion of police in high-risk raids.
The meeting was also attended by Mohammad Mashuor Rahman, Senior Secretary of the Security Services Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Khondakar Mostafizur Rahman, Director General (Grade-1) of the Department of Narcotics Control, among others.
