Barisal: The number of drug addicts, especially users of yaba, is on the rise in the city and in districts, said sources in law enforcement agencies. This can be attributed to the easy availability and the cheap price of yaba tablets. According to law enforcers and the health ministry, over three lakh people, mostly young ones, are regular users of yaba and other substances. They are supplied with drugs by over 500 floating drug centres and sub-centres across Barisal city and six district divisions. There are over 100 yaba-selling centres in Barisal city alone.
Sources said drug dealers collect their materials mainly from 19 places, including Jessore, Jhenaidah, Kustia, Chuyadanga, Meherpur, Syamnagar and Sathkhira border areas. Yaba mainly comes from India-Myanmar border areas, including Khagrachiri, Naikkhangchari, Rangamati, Andarmanik, Bandarban Mudik and Lebuchari.
Tarki bus stand, Ramsiddi, Batazor and Shanuhar of Barisal district, Bekutia of Pirojpur, Mojuchowdurihat of Lakhmipur and Char Alexander of Bhola are gateways through which yaba is smuggled into the country. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) conducted raids and seized a total of 1,38,769 yaba tablets from different areas of the city and the district over the last seven years. Local sources claimed that more than five crores of yaba tablets had been sold during the time.
The RAB-8 conducted raids and seized 1,18,432 bottles of phensidyl during the time. Barisal DB police seized 21,948 yaba tablets from different areas of the city over the last two years. They also seized 120kg of marijuana and 3,038 bottles of phensidyl from the city during the time.
Sources said there has been a recent increase in the number of yaba users. In March 2010, the RAB-8 seized 50  yaba tablets from Barisal city. Two youths were arrested with 78 yaba tablets from the city in June 2010. Also, 128 yaba tablets were seized from Barisal city and the Barisal division later in the year.
According to a record of the RAB-8, 3858 yaba tablets were seized in 2011. The number of seized yaba tablets jumped to 10,047 pieces in 2012, 14,316 pieces in 2013, 34,739 pieces in 2014, and 75,681 pieces in 2015.
The RAB and metro police arrested over 500 persons and over 400 cases were filed in this connection.
Mustafizur Rahman, managing director of Holly Care Centre in the city, said the number of yaba users have been rising alarmingly. He also said the centre has treated over 3,000 yaba addicts over the last five years. Even girls are taking yaba tablets and several addicted girls have recently been sent to Dhaka for treatment, he added.   
Yaba traders have been using different courier services to avoid being harassed by law enforcement agencies. On interrogation, an arrested yaba trader said that one piece of yaba costs a maximum of Tk. 85 and they sell it for Tk. 250. .
Dr Aziz Rahmin, addiction specialist and former principal of Barisal Sher-E-Bangla Medical Collage Hospital, said that the drug creates an intense hallucinogenic effect. Regular use of this drug may lead to lung and kidney disorders, hallucinations and paranoia, he added. Yaba traders, however, are doing a brisk business with the help of corrupt and dishonest policemen. It has been alleged that drug syndicates are almost having a free run with the support of some local influential people.
Bogra road, Munshir garage, Central bus tarminal, Alekanda, Sagardi Bazar, Kathpatty, Metharpatty, Rupatoli, Launch ghat, Medical collage area, Amtola, BM collage road, Fakir Bari, Sader road, Pasdmaboti, Charmer Patty, Bazar Road, Joprdan road, Balurmath slun, Natun Bazer, Kawnia, Jharjharia Tola, Jhautola, Polashpur, Amanathgang, hospital road, Kazipara, Barisal club road, Swa road are some of the areas where yabas are sold.
A large number of rickshaw pullers, women and children are also involved in the trade and they work on the basis of commission. Even though a number of anti-drug organisations regularly hold awareness programmes in the city, the sale of yaba continues to thrive here.