Five, including students, arrested over links to ‘MDMA smuggling’ in Dhaka

The drug shipment, originating from the UK, was intercepted by authorities, and revealed a network supplying MDMA at upscale venues in Dhaka

Five individuals have been arrested in Dhaka over alleged connections with an international drug trafficking ring, with two of the suspects identified as students at prominent universities.

The arrested individuals were allegedly involved in the smuggling of MDMA (Methylone Dimethoxy Methamphetamine) into Bangladesh.

The arrest followed the interception of an MDMA shipment from the United Kingdom, which was traced to one of the suspects.

The MDMA was reportedly being distributed at upscale DJ parties and other elite venues across the capital.

On Sunday evening, the Directorate of Narcotics Control (DNC) seized the drugs and apprehended the suspects. The agency’s Director-General Md Hasan Maruf briefed the media on Monday, providing details of the operation.

Among the arrested, two are students: Syed Shayan Ahmed, 24, a student at Canadian University, and Asif Mahbub Chowdhury, 24, from North South University.

The other suspects are Md Jubayer, 28, GM Prithim Shams, 25, and Apurbo Roy, 26. The latter three had recently completed their studies at well-known English-medium schools and a private university, respectively.

Authorities recovered 317 MDMA tablets, 1.67kg of Kush, a pure or hybrid strain of Cannabis Indica, 250g of marijuana, 50ml of ketamine in five glass bottles, six mobile phones, one laptop, and Tk 711,000 in cash.

Maruf said the DNC had been monitoring the international shipment closely. Acting on intelligence, a 10-member team intercepted an air parcel at the foreign post office in Paltan, Dhaka. The parcel, disguised as foreign chocolates, contained MDMA tablets wrapped in bubble paper.

Upon reviewing documents and using digital forensics, authorities tracked the parcel to Md Jubayer, who was arrested at his residence in Dhaka Udyan, Mohammadpur.

According to Maruf, Jubayer revealed that the parcel had been sent by a person named Arony, using the address and phone number of his friend, Apurbo Roy, who had arranged for it to be delivered to one, GM Prathit Shams.

Jubayer reportedly also confessed that he was promised Tk 50,000 for delivering the parcel and had received an advance payment of Tk 15,000–16,000 via mobile money from Prathit. Following this lead, the DNC arrested Prathit in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.

The other arrests were made on Monday morning, including Asif, Apurbo, and Shayan at Paltan.

The investigation revealed that the suspects used encrypted messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram to coordinate their drug trafficking operations.

The DNC said the group had established a significant network, maintaining contact with international drug dealers and distributing narcotics to high-end clubs, DJ parties, and private residences.

MDMA, a synthetic psychoactive drug, is known for its stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. The directorate categorises it as a class "Kh" drug. MDMA is commonly used at party venues, known for inducing euphoria, self-confidence, and heightened sensory experiences.

DNC DG Maruf said investigations suggest the involvement of several others in the network, and further arrests will be made. The suspects are facing charges under the Narcotics Control Act, 2018.