Aren’t Anti-Drug Drives Missing Their Real Targets?

The growing anti-drug campaign across the country is certainly welcome. However, we must ask whether law enforcement agencies are going after the people who actually run the drug trade or concentrating on those who are easier to catch. According to a recent report published in this newspaper, authorities conducted around 42 operations at registered bars, clubs and hotels in Dhaka over the past six months, including establishments in Banani, Gulshan and Tejgaon. While checking compliance with the law is necessary, we cannot overlook a bigger question: Are these frequent raids exposing the major drug traffickers, or are the powerful networks supplying yaba, crystal methamphetamine and other illegal narcotics continuing their business undisturbed?

This, of course, does not mean that licensed businesses should be exempt from the law. Any allegations of illegal stockpiling, misuse of duty-free alcohol or breaches of licensing conditions must be properly investigated. Nevertheless, enforcement must remain fair and proportionate, as indiscriminate raids, arrests and live media coverage can damage legitimate businesses and undermine confidence in the tourism sector. More importantly, the authorities must distinguish between regulatory violations and organised drug trafficking. A successful anti-drug campaign cannot simply be measured by the number of establishments raided; it must also show whether those who organise and profit from the illegal trade are being brought to justice.

The need for a more focused approach becomes even clearer when we consider how drug abuse affects ordinary people. In areas such as Mohammadpur and Uttara, concerns over youth gang violence, street crime and addiction continue to grow. Families are often left struggling to protect young people from drugs while coping with financial hardship and broken relationships. Even those who seek help do not always find a safe path to recovery. Allegations of abuse and inadequate medical care at some rehabilitation centres raise serious questions about the treatment of vulnerable people. Thus, tackling the drug crisis requires more than intercepting illegal substances; it also demands proper care for those whose lives have already been affected.

Against this backdrop, the government must turn its attention to the people who finance, organise and protect the illegal trade. Investigators should identify major traffickers, trace illicit money through bank accounts and mobile financial services, and examine allegations that influential individuals provide protection to drug syndicates. At the same time, rehabilitation centres need regular independent inspections, adequate medical care and effective complaint mechanisms. Better co-ordination among law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and the Department of Narcotics Control is also essential to ensure that traffickers cannot continue operating through well-established networks.

Ultimately, we expect an anti-drug campaign that reaches the right targets and makes a difference in people’s lives. Licensed businesses must follow the law; however, raids on registered establishments must not divert attention from dismantling criminal networks. We cannot claim success while major traffickers continue to operate and young people become trapped in addiction. Therefore, the campaign must be judged by how effectively it breaks up drug syndicates, holds influential offenders accountable and helps people recover. Otherwise, we will keep catching the visible targets while the real players remain beyond the reach of the law.