Anti-Drug Operations Intensified in Tongi Slums, Police Monitor Local Networks

Tongi in Gazipur, located close to the capital and connected by major transport routes, has remained under the attention of law enforcement agencies over allegations of drug trading in several densely populated areas.

Residents and law enforcement sources have reported alleged drug sales in areas including Hajir Mazar, Bank Math, Keranirtek and Ershad Nagar, as well as several slum communities.

According to local residents and law enforcement sources, both men and women are allegedly involved in different stages of the drug trade in some of these areas. Some are reportedly involved in sourcing or transporting drugs, while others are allegedly engaged in retail sales.

Several women have also been named in drug-related cases in areas including Bank Math and Keranirtek, according to local and law enforcement sources. The names of Momela Begum, Moyna Khatun, Afrina Akter, Kulsum and Karima Begum have surfaced in connection with such allegations. However, the allegations against individuals remain matters for investigation and judicial proceedings.

According to law enforcement information, Momela Begum faces several drug-related cases. Sources also said she had been arrested at different times in connection with alleged possession or trading of cannabis, phensedyl, heroin and yaba.

Moyna Khatun, a resident of the Bank Math area, also faces multiple drug-related cases, according to available information. Local sources have alleged that several members of her family have also been linked to drug-related cases.

Afrina Akter, locally known as “Boro Apa,” has also been accused of involvement in drug sales. Local sources claim that some members of her family have assisted her, although such allegations remain subject to verification through legal proceedings.

In Keranirtek, Kulsum and Karima Begum have also been named in connection with drug-related allegations. Police sources said Kulsum’s sister Nargis was recently arrested with cannabis. Karima Begum was also arrested on July 18, according to police sources.

Drug-related allegations have also been reported in other parts of Gazipur City, including Kashimpur and Lakshmipura. Local sources have mentioned Dalia Begum of Nayapara in Kashimpur and Tahmina and Asha of Lakshmipura in connection with alleged drug activities.

Law enforcement sources said drug-related activities in some areas may involve networks rather than individuals operating alone. According to them, different people may be involved at various stages, including sourcing, transportation, storage and retail distribution.

Police Intensify Anti-Drug Drives
Gazipur Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner Md Belayet Hossain said regular anti-drug operations are being conducted in different slum areas of the metropolitan city.

He said significant quantities of drugs had been recovered and a number of people had been detained during such operations over the past eight months.

According to him, electricity connections have recently been disconnected in some areas as part of efforts against illegal activities. Several alleged drug dens have also been removed with the cooperation of relevant authorities, while government land has been recovered in some locations.

He said law enforcement agencies plan to continue anti-drug operations in different slum areas of Tongi and other parts of the metropolitan city in phases.

Broader Approach Needed to Control Drugs
Local residents say regular law enforcement operations are important, but long-term control of drug-related activities also requires identifying supply channels, financial flows and networks associated with the trade.

They also stressed the importance of education, employment opportunities and community-based awareness programmes in vulnerable areas.

Stakeholders believe that coordinated action by law enforcement agencies, social organisations and local communities, combined with stronger prevention and awareness programmes, could help address drug-related problems more effectively in Tongi and other vulnerable areas of Gazipur.