Heroin Syndicate Leader Arrested in Savar

A suspected major drug trafficker has been detained in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, with law enforcement recovering a significant quantity of heroin during the operation, according to officials.

Members of the Rapid Action Battalion-4 (RAB-4) arrested 27-year-old Hridoy Hossain during a late-night raid on Monday at around 11:30 pm. The operation was conducted in the Amtola Palowanpara area adjacent to the Birulia Road in West Rajashan, following a tip-off.

Hossain, a resident of Dewgaon West Para in Savar upazila, is alleged to be a key organiser within a drug trafficking network operating across the region.

During the raid, authorities seized approximately 1.245 kilograms of heroin from his possession. Officials estimate the street value of the recovered narcotics at around BDT 12.45 million.

The arrest was later confirmed on Tuesday morning by RAB-4 Company Commander, Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Shahnur Kabir, through an official briefing.

Seizure and Arrest Details

Preliminary interrogation suggests that the accused had long been involved in collecting heroin from various sources across the country and distributing it in Savar and neighbouring areas. Law enforcement officials believe he operated as part of an organised criminal syndicate.

Local residents have alleged that the suspect had gradually established dominance in the area under the cover of narcotics trade. He is also accused, according to community accounts, of involvement in extortion, controlling local youth gangs, and other forms of organised criminal activity.

Some residents further claimed that prior to recent political changes, he was associated with activities linked to a student political group, later allegedly shifting affiliations in order to maintain influence. These claims have not been independently verified by authorities.

There are also allegations from locals that he operated under the influence or protection of several politically connected individuals in the area, including local party figures and youth leaders. Additionally, unverified claims suggest he occasionally used the name of a national parliamentary representative from the Dhaka-19 constituency to intimidate residents and expand his influence.

RAB officials stated that the arrest forms part of an ongoing nationwide drive against narcotics trafficking. They added that operations targeting organised drug networks will continue with increased intensity in the coming weeks.

Following the arrest, local residents reportedly expressed relief, stating that such enforcement actions are essential to restoring stability in the area. They also expressed hope that sustained operations by law enforcement agencies would help reduce crime and improve public safety in Savar and surrounding regions.