The Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) suspects that Indian smugglers have set up factories producing yaba tablets near the Indo-Bangla border and are pushing those into Bangladesh. The BGB has seized several consignments of yaba tablets along the border over the last few months, said BGB sources and the locals of Bhomra. The BGB has also arrested some people allegedly involved in smuggling the tablet.
Yaba—the ‘madness drug’—is a potent mixture of methamphetamine and caffeine, and often spiked with traces of heroin. It is now the narcotic of choice for addicts across Bangladesh, especially those in the 18–30 age group, along with drugs like Phensedyl. Mostly produced in Myanmar, these tablets enter the country through the eastern borders. It is suspected that a section of political leaders and law enforcement agency members is involved in smuggling the drug into the country from the neighbouring countries.
At a meeting with a group of journalists from both Bangladesh and India at the BGB regional headquarters in Jessore yesterday, BGB commander Brig. Gen. Md Khalilur Rahman said they have seized several yaba consignments at different border points in Khulna, Satkhira and Benapole over the last few months. “We suspect yaba factories may have been set up near the Indo-Bangla border within Indian territory,” he said. The colour, size, and design of the seized yaba tablets are different from those produced in Myanmar, he added.
On August 16, the Benapole BGB seized 50 yaba tablets while 291 tablets were seized last month, the BGB commander said. “We’ve ordered our forces to remain alert along the border,” he added. Many locals in Bhomra area said that ‘fake’ yaba was entering the country through Bhomra and Benapole borders. “These tablets are cheaper than the yaba that is smuggled from Myanmar,” said a local. The director general of BGB, Maj. Gen. Aziz Ahmed, said he has heard that Yaba tablets are being smuggled from India. “But we can’t confirm yet that yaba factories have indeed been set up within Indian territory,” he added.
“On receiving proper information, we’ll urge the Indian authorities to close down the factories,” he added.
Sources in the BGB and the police said that smugglers in India may be targeting Bangladesh, as the demand for the tablet is increasing rapidly in the country. Yaba is apparently also being produced in Bangladesh and supplied to different parts of Dhaka.
Yaba is mostly popular among those who suffer from sexual or mental problems. Some unscrupulous doctors and chemists respectively prescribe and sell pills laced with yaba for immediate relief.
The drug is believed to have led to organised crime rackets, official corruption, street violence and broken families. According to a human rights leader, over a 100 newly married couples have ended their relationship because of their addiction to Yaba. It has even led to an increase in the number of suicides in SAARC countries, including Bangladesh and India.