Abul Kashem, Ramu ( Cox’s Bazar) 

 A sharp rise in major drug busts and unverified reports of armed drug robberies are raising fears that Ramu Upazila is emerging as a critical transit hub for Myanmar-smuggled Yaba, potentially following the path of notorious border transit points like Teknaf.

Over the past two months, law enforcement agencies—including the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC)—have intercepted several massive Yaba consignments across key locations such as Jowarianala, Morichya Joint Check Post, and Ramu Chowmuhani.

Traffickers are moving away from traditional remote hilly routes, increasingly relying on modified vehicles and major highways to ship contraband across the country. Recent seizures revealed sophisticated concealment methods:

 Consignments of up to 138,000 tablets were discovered hidden inside modified truck chassis compartments and motorcycle fuel tanks.

Drugs were seized from tourist vehicles and high-profile transports, including a car bearing a Ministry of Home Affairs sticker.

Alongside official seizures, local residents report a troubling series of drug-related robberies and territorial disputes among local syndicates in unions including Kauyarkhop, Kachhapia, Fatehkharkul, and Chakmarkul.

Locals claim that rival groups have intercepted and robbed Yaba consignments ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 tablets per incident. Allegations have also surfaced that some individuals use political affiliations to establish local influence and shield their operations. However, law enforcement officials note that these robbery reports remain unverified, as formal complaints or police cases are rarely filed by those involved.

Civic leaders and journalists are calling for targeted financial and structural investigations into the supply chains, local patronage, and storage networks feeding the trade.

"Law enforcement operations alone will not eliminate drugs—we must raise social awareness and build collective resistance against drug abuse," said Master Md. Alam, President of the Ramu Upazila Anti-Corruption Commission Committee, noting that the lure of quick wealth continues to drive people into trafficking.

Ramu Police Station OC A.K. Fazlur Haque reaffirmed the authorities' stance: "We have declared zero tolerance against drugs. Instructions are clear to take stern legal action against sellers, users, and kingpins alike. No one involved will be spared."