DNC seizes record 65.9kg of shisha, 3 arrested

The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) seized 65.9 kg of shisha, claiming it to be the largest single seizure of the substance in the country's history, and arrested three alleged members of an organised online supply network in Dhaka.

The arrested individuals are Ahmed Sharifi, 34, his twin brother Mehdad Sharifi, 34, and Md Maksud Alam, 40.

According to the DNC, its Dhaka Divisional Intelligence Office launched the operation after receiving intelligence that the group had been selling shisha and related accessories through a Facebook page and distributing consignments nationwide via courier services.

As part of the operation, officers initially intercepted two courier parcels containing 1 kg of shisha each in Bashundhara and Malibagh on Thursday.

Acting on information gathered during the investigation, DNC officials later raided a flat in Kalachandpur under Gulshan Police Station and arrested the two brothers. A search of the premises led to the recovery of 45.9 kg of shisha and 20 hookahs.

Based on information obtained during the raid, officials subsequently searched another flat in the Nurerchala area under Vatara Police Station and arrested Maksud Alam.

A further 18 kg of shisha and 21 hookahs were recovered from the premises.

During the coordinated operation across four locations, the DNC seized a total of 65.9 kg of shisha, 41 hookahs, 40 kg of charcoal used for smoking shisha and five mobile phones.

The DNC described the haul as the largest quantity of shisha ever seized in a single operation in Bangladesh, calling it a significant success in its ongoing anti-drug campaign.

Officials also alleged that the suspects were involved in other unlawful online activities. Investigations are continuing to identify additional members of the network.