Govt to draw up list of top drug traffickers in Cox’s Bazar, vows crackdown

The government will prepare a list of the top drug traffickers operating in the southeastern district of Cox’s Bazar and launch coordinated operations against them, home minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

Speaking at a law-and-order meeting in Cox’s Bazar late Thursday, Salahuddin said authorities were updating information on major drug traffickers as part of a wider crackdown on narcotics, gambling, extortion and terrorism.

Those involved would face legal action regardless of their political affiliations or influence, he said.

“The government’s position against drugs is extremely tough. Gambling, terrorism, extortion and drugs — no crime will be tolerated,” the minister said.

He described Cox’s Bazar as particularly vulnerable to drug trafficking, with the border upazilas of Ukhiya and Teknaf frequently used as routes for smuggling narcotics.

Once the list is finalized, law enforcement agencies will conduct coordinated operations targeting those identified, he added.

The government will also introduce a registration system for fishermen in Ukhiya and Teknaf to strengthen surveillance along the coastline and border. Authorities say the measure will help identify genuine fishermen while detecting illegal entry and criminal activities.

The minister also ordered agencies to strengthen intelligence surveillance and coordinate efforts to prevent drugs, weapons and other illicit goods from crossing the border.

Senior officials from the police, Border Guard Bangladesh, Rapid Action Battalion, Coast Guard, Navy and Department of Narcotics Control attended the meeting, alongside local lawmakers and administrative officials.