Although relief has returned among ordinary passengers after the launch of direct rail communication on the Dhaka-Cox’s Bazar route, concerns about drug trafficking are growing.
According to information from law enforcement and intelligence agencies, drug traffickers are now choosing this railway as a ‘safe route’ for smuggling yaba and ice (crystal meth) to avoid the strictness of the road route.
Those concerned say that while traveling by bus or private car, one has to face searches at ferry piers or various checkpoints on the highway. But since there are several hundred passengers on the train at the same time and there is no permanent system to thoroughly search each bag, smugglers are using this as an easy opportunity.
Especially after the train leaves the iconic Cox’s Bazar station, drugs are being transported to different parts of the country, including Chittagong, the capital, and other places, according to the investigation.
Investigations have revealed that drug dealers are no longer carrying Yaba on their bodies like before. These drugs are being carried under the false ceiling of the train toilet, in ‘unclaimed’ bags under the seats, or under the cover of food.
There are allegations that even courier service parcel vans are being used. Smuggling is being carried out by creating a network inside the train through syndicates.
A senior railway police official said on condition of anonymity, “We occasionally carry out surprise raids and recover large consignments. However, scanning the huge daily passenger contingent within a specified time is a big challenge. The limitations of modern equipment and the open entrances of the station provide an opportunity for drug dealers.
According to drug and addiction prevention organizations, since the train journey from Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka is comfortable, it has become easier to carry drugs under the guise of tourists.” They say that without strict scanning and dog squads like at the airport, this railway could soon become a drug ‘highway’.
Drug control experts have made three proposals to prevent smuggling on this route – 1. Installing modern luggage scanners at Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong stations. 2. Increasing plainclothes detective surveillance along with uniformed police on trains. 3. Ensuring regular searches with dog squads.
Although the railway has created new possibilities for the country’s tourism and economy, those concerned believe that this infiltration of drugs could threaten those achievements. It is feared that if strict measures are not taken now, this important means of communication could face major security risks.
