Dhaka Raid Nets Liquor Worth Tk 70 Lakh in Kafrul

A major anti-narcotics operation in Dhaka’s Kafrul area has led to the arrest of a 56-year-old man and the recovery of a large consignment of illegally stored alcoholic beverages valued at nearly Tk 70 lakh, according to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).

The arrested individual, identified as Adil Haider Selim, was detained during a late-night raid conducted at a residential property in Shewrapara, under Kafrul Police Station. Officials confirmed that the operation was carried out on Monday night following confidential intelligence regarding the storage and distribution of illegal alcohol in the area.

RAB-1 Assistant Superintendent of Police and media officer Shah Alam provided details of the operation on Tuesday evening, stating that the elite force had been monitoring suspected liquor trafficking activities linked to the location prior to the raid.

Acting on the information, RAB personnel searched house number 970 in Shewrapara, where they discovered a substantial quantity of foreign and locally produced alcoholic beverages. The seized consignment included over 300 litres of imported liquor and several hundred litres of locally produced spirits and beer.

Seized Alcohol and Estimated Value

According to RAB officials, the seized alcohol was being illegally stored and allegedly distributed through networks operating in different parts of Kafrul and surrounding areas of Dhaka. Authorities suspect that the operation formed part of a broader supply chain catering to unauthorised retail and bar-related distribution channels.

During the raid, another individual allegedly linked to the operation managed to flee the scene. He has been identified as Syed Nahid Islam, manager of Sheol Restaurant and Bar Limited. RAB officials stated that he escaped upon sensing the presence of law enforcement personnel.

Preliminary findings suggest that both the arrested suspect and the absconding bar manager were jointly involved in the storage and distribution of illegal alcoholic beverages. Investigators believe the seized stock had been accumulated for commercial circulation without proper authorisation.

Following the operation, the confiscated liquor was handed over to Kafrul Police Station as part of standard legal procedures. A case has been filed against Adil Haider Selim under the Narcotics Control Act, while efforts are underway to apprehend the fugitive suspect.

Authorities have confirmed that further investigations are ongoing to trace the supply network and identify additional individuals potentially involved in the illicit trade. Law enforcement agencies have also indicated that surveillance in the area will be intensified to prevent similar stockpiling and distribution activities in the future.

RAB officials described the operation as part of continued nationwide efforts to curb illegal narcotics and unregulated alcohol distribution, particularly in urban centres where such activities often operate through concealed residential or commercial premises.