Drug crackdown puts financial strain on Jhenaidah police

JHENAIDAH, Sept 16: Police in Jhenaidah have intensified their crackdown on drug use, detaining suspected drug users and conducting dope tests before taking legal action against those who test positive.

While the campaign has increased police activity and the number of drug-related cases, it has also created a financial burden for police personnel. Each dope test costs Tk 950, and as there is no specific government allocation for the tests, police officers are often having to pay the cost from their own pockets.

According to district police statistics, 235 dope tests were conducted across Jhenaidah in 54 days from July 14 to September 6. Of them, 222 tested positive, costing a total of Tk 2,23,260.

During the same period, police filed 175 cases and arrested 222 people in different police stations and the Detective Branch under summary trial proceedings.

From July 14 to 30, 33 cases were filed against 44 people. The number rose sharply in August, when 127 cases were filed and 158 people were made accused. In the first six days of September, police filed another 15 cases against 20 people.

Among the six police jurisdictions, Shailkupa saw the highest number of cases during the 54-day period, with 78 cases against 85 people. Jhenaidah Sadar recorded 35 cases against 50 people, Kaliganj 23 against 29, Harinakundu eight against 12, Kotchandpur eight against 10, and the district DB 23 cases against 35 people.

The accused were sentenced to between 15 days and six months in jail.

A dope test has now become an important part of the drug crackdown to confirm whether a detained person has consumed drugs. After an arrest, police personnel have to take the suspect to hospital, arrange sample collection, complete the necessary paperwork and pay the test fee.

Although the cost is initially supposed to be borne by the officer-in-charge of the respective police station, in many cases sub-inspectors involved in the operations end up paying it.

Police officials say there are arrangements to reimburse the expenses later from different funds. However, field-level officers remain uncertain about how quickly and regularly they will receive the money.

A police officer, seeking anonymity, said, “Conducting anti-drug drives is our responsibility. If a dope test is required after an arrest, we have to get it done. But having to pay for the test from our own pockets creates additional financial pressure.”

Another officer said Tk 950 might not seem like much for one or two tests, but the amount becomes significant when several people are detained during regular drives.

The issue has prompted some local support in Shailkupa. An organisation called Agamir Shailkupa has been providing financial assistance to police to cover dope-testing costs. The district council and district administration have also assured them of support.

However, people concerned said the need for dope tests would increase as the anti-drug drives intensified. As the number of tests rises, so will the expenses.

They said a specific, transparent and regular government funding mechanism was needed instead of temporary assistance. Otherwise, financial constraints could hamper an important part of the anti-drug campaign.

Jhenaidah Superintendent of Police Mia Mohammad Ashis Bin Hasan said the introduction of dope testing had had a significant impact across the district and created fear among drug traders and users.

“Suspected drug users are being tested at Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital. Each test costs Tk 950,” he said.

“But this is a long-term process. If police personnel have to bear the cost of every test from their own pockets, it will become extremely difficult for them to continue the programme regularly,” he said.
The SP said the matter had already been brought to the attention of higher authorities.

“If government funds are allocated for dope tests or free testing is arranged at the hospital, we will be able to intensify the anti-drug campaign,” he said. “This will not only increase the number of cases but also encourage field-level police personnel to work with greater enthusiasm.”