RAB Seizes Cocaine Worth Tk 1 Crore in Uttara Raid

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-1) has arrested two alleged drug traffickers in Dhaka’s Uttara West area after recovering 480 grams of cocaine, with an estimated street value of around Tk 1 crore, during an intelligence-led operation.

The arrests were made on Tuesday (14 April), and the details were later confirmed in a press release issued by RAB-1 the same day.

Intelligence-led operation in Uttara

According to RAB officials, the operation was launched after receiving confidential information that a group of suspected drug dealers were preparing to conduct a cocaine transaction in the Uttara West Police Station area.

Acting on the tip-off, a specialised RAB-1 team conducted surveillance around the premises of a commercial building identified as Fifti Alliance Global Trading Limited. Intelligence suggested that the suspects were positioned on the fourth floor near the reception area, allegedly waiting to distribute the narcotics.

At approximately 1:30pm, RAB personnel moved in and apprehended two individuals from the scene. During a search, officers recovered 480 grams of cocaine, which authorities described as a significant seizure in terms of both quantity and market value.

Arrested individuals

The two detainees have been identified as:

RAB stated that both individuals are suspected of being actively involved in the illegal narcotics trade within the capital, operating through discreet commercial locations to avoid detection.

Seizure and legal proceedings

Following the arrest, the suspects were taken into custody along with the recovered cocaine. After preliminary interrogation at the scene, they were handed over to Uttara West Police Station for further legal action.

RAB officials confirmed that a case under the Narcotics Control Act is in the process of being filed, and further investigations are underway to identify other members of the network potentially linked to the seized consignment.

RAB statement and ongoing crackdown

Law enforcement authorities said the operation forms part of an ongoing nationwide campaign targeting organised drug distribution networks, particularly those operating in urban centres such as Dhaka.

Officials noted that cocaine seizures remain relatively rare compared to other narcotics in Bangladesh, making the latest recovery particularly significant. They added that traffickers often attempt to conceal high-value drugs within commercial or residential premises to evade surveillance.

Wider anti-narcotics efforts

RAB has intensified operations against drug trafficking in recent years amid growing concerns over synthetic and imported narcotics entering urban markets. Authorities say intelligence-based raids, like the one conducted in Uttara, are crucial in disrupting supply chains and identifying higher-level organisers.

Officials also reiterated that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found involved in the possession, distribution, or trafficking of illegal drugs, regardless of social or economic status.

The investigation into the latest seizure is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies now working to trace the wider network behind the consignment and its intended distribution channels within Dhaka and beyond.