Annual Drug Report
Summary
Drug addiction is a complex and multidimensional social problem. Drug-addicted families never fully recover from the anxiety and suffering their experience. In any country, drug abuse, illegal trafficking and associated criminal activities are worrisome because they have a tendency to ruin the family life and deteriorate the society of the very same time. Bangladesh is in a particularly precarious geographic position . Investigations by law enforcement have shown the establishment of clandestine drug laboratory in several areas along the border outside of Bangladesh. Bangladesh, like the rest of the world ,is working tirelessly to combat drug trafficking. The Department of Narcotics Control is Bangladesh's nodal agency responsible for preventing drug abuse and trafficking.
Despite numerous challenges to stopping the drug epidemic, the DNC has stepped up efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and the related cash flows at all costs. The fight against drug trafficking requires the mobilization of all societal parties. The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) is launching a nationwide motivational anti-drug campaign that engages all pertinent parties, from the lowest to the highest levels, in an effort to increase public awareness.
Yaba and Crystal Meth (ATS) are among the substances that are increasingly being trafficked into Bangladesh from Myanmar via this border region. In this area and elsewhere, the steady flow of yaba is concerning. The seizures indicate that in addition to Yaba & Crystal Meth, also known as ICE, is becoming more prevalent. In Bangladesh, Cannabis remains the most often used drug, followed by heroin, and syrup made from codeine.
A new substance known as "Dandy"-an adhesive derived from toluene-has become very popular and inexpensive among street kids. Recently, the urban youth have become familiar with synthetic substances like Crystal Meth, LSD, DOB, and MDMA, which pose a threat to their rapid spread via social media and other communication platforms. New narcotics and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are spreading more easily thanks to online marketplaces and platforms.
According to the 2024 seizure report, the biggest drug market is in Dhaka. The bulk of people living in urban slums are vagrants. For very little money, drug smugglers and dealers hide in many of these slums. It is believed that these slums are crucial sites for the distribution and storage of drugs. Drug traffickers recruit young individuals from these economically disadvantaged groups, including women and children, to work as drug dealers.
The emergence of technology and internet-based, user-friendly communication platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Whatsapp, Viber, Telegram, Messenger, Darknet and others is another significant factor in the growth and diversification of drug markets. Furthermore, many international students use synthetic drugs such as LSD, MDMA, ketamine, DOB, etc., and upon their return, they try
The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Bangladesh Customs are authorized to interdict and combat drug offenses in accordance with the terms of the Narcotics Control Act, 2018.Members of these organizations can conduct anti-drug drives and arrest drug dealers, but only the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) and Bangladesh police are permitted to investigate charges filed under the aforementioned Act. These groups collaborate closely and get along well to bolster anti-drug campaigns.
Demand and supply of drugs are closely related to each other. Drug supply will decline if demand declines, are vice versa. For this reason, Bangladesh is currently placing a high priority on raising public awareness and reducing side-to-side supply. The various events carried out in 2024 to raise awareness among the populace nationwide.
In order to regulate and control the importation, use, production, storage, sale, dosage form, and consumption of narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals, Bangladesh has implemented a number of measures. The goal of these measures is to prevent the synthesis of illegal drugs and the diversion of chemicals from a legitimate source to the illegal market. Bangladesh does not create many precursor chemicals. Bangladesh remains vigilant, particularly in relation to precursor chemical activities, transit, and diversion. The Department of Narcotics Control is responsible for overseeing the regulation of precursor chemicals in Bangladesh. Bangladesh monitors the illegal precursor chemicals trade in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies such as UNODC and Interpol.
The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) must be armed with cutting-edge technology training facilities, personnel, infrastructure, and logistical support in order to destroy the traffickers' stronghold. In order to promote public safety, community trust, and efficient law enforcement, the organization must also be modernized to meet the evolving demands of society, technology, and crime. DNC of Bangladesh implements effective methods and engages top professionals to combat illegal substances in the country .The DNC also works with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on capacity-building programs to ensure the Agency's effective operations.
The Department of Narcotics Control is working tirelessly in spite of a number of obstacles. To assert that all objectives have been accomplished or that the intended level has been attained would be nonsensical. However, it's equally important to acknowledge that the drug problem did not start suddenly and is not specific to any one nation. Nowadays, drugs are viewed as a major issue everywhere. It will take time to defeat this dreadful threat. It is difficult to get rid of. The administration has implemented a number of measures in light of Bangladesh's unique circumstances and the state of the world.
The officers and staff of the Department of Narcotics Control work around the clock to complete their assigned tasks. This is a complicated issue that cannot be resolved by a single entity using the legislation alone.
Harm Reduction refers to policies, programs ,and practices that aim to minimize the negative health, social and legal impacts of drug use, drug policies, and drug laws (Harm Reduction International). This non-judgmental approach is combined with a range of health and social services Though there is popular opinion that harm reduction promotes or encourages drug use but in reality harm reduction helps people to make healthier choices for themselves. Harm reduction recognizes that there will always he some people who will use drugs, and some people who may be unwilling or unable to stop using drugs. Harm reduction offers policies, programs, and practices that aim to minimize the negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use as well as drug laws and policies. The Services include, but are not limited to: drug consumption rooms (also called overdose prevention centers or supervised consumption sites) where drugs can be consumed under supervision; housing and employment initiatives which do not require abstinence as a pre-condition; drug-checking services where people can check illegal drugs for adulterants, overdose prevention and reversal; psychosocial support; and the provision of information on safer drug use. Does harm reduction reduce crime?
There is evidence to suggest that harm reduction services such as opioid agonist therapy can reduce crime, including violent crime. There is also evidence to suggest that harm reduction services such as drug consumption rooms (also known as overdose prevention centres or supervised consumption sites) do not lead to any increase in crime in the local area In Bangladesh according to the Narcotics Control Act.2018 reduction of supply and demand, prevention, and the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts are designated to the Department of Narcotics Control under the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the act, DNC is responsible for conducting any research or survey for the collection of any information relating to narcotics, taking measures related to the production, supply, use and control of narcotic drugs, taking necessary measures regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, the establishment and monitoring of drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers.
However, substance use disorder is a non-communicable disorder and there is a positive correlation with another communicable disease like AIDS, Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C. STI. The Ministry of Health is also involved with Health reduction through the National AIDS/STD Program (NASP) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).Although Bangladesh is still considered to be a low-prevalence country for HIV, it remains extremely vulnerable given its dire poverty. overpopulation, needle syringe sharing, drug use pattern, and gender inequality, high mobility of the population in the country, and having sex without condoms. Migration to other countries for employment is also very common, particularly among younger people.
The World Health Organization (WHO),the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS)recommend that OST be provided as part of an evidence-based public health response for people who inject drugs (PWID) with a comprehensive package to include the following interventions like
1. Needle and syringe programs (NSPs).
2. Opioid substitution therapy (OST) and other evidence-based drug-dependence treatments
3. HIV testing services (HTS),
4. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV.
5. Prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)(and sexual and reproductive health services),
6. Condom programs for people who inject drug sand their sexual partners,
7. Targeted information, education, and communication (IEC).
8. Prevention, vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C.
9. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB).
10.Community distribution of naloxone for prevention and treatment of opioid overdose.
In the context of Bangladesh, nearly all harm reduction interventions for People who Inject Drugs (PWID) have been available for except community distribution of naloxone for prevention and treatment of opioid overdose.
In addition, under the title harm reduction, there are treatment facilities (inpatient and outpatient based detoxification, outpatient-based service, drop-in centers e.tc.),echo training to develop service providers in substance use disorder management, psycho-education for family members e.t.c.
To integrate harm reduction service with generic health care delivery systems at different levels of care formulation of National Guidelines for the Management of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) is in the process of inception. Overall harm reduction activities in Bangladesh will be described below under the title of treatment facilities, echo training, opioid substitution therapy (OST) in Bangladesh and challenges in harm reduction.
Treatment Facilities
Treatment service for the people suffering from substance use disorder, the Government of Bangladesh provides through the Central Drug Addiction Treatment Center (CTC) in Dhaka (124 beds),and three regional treatment centers Rajshahi (25 beds), Chittagong (25 beds) and Khulna (25 beds). The bed capacity of Central Drug Addiction Treatment Center (CTC) is 124 where 90 beds for adult males, 10 beds for children and adolescents and 24 more beds for females are allocated. To establish a quality tertiary care service for substance use disorder a project to build a 13 stored treatment and rehabilitation complex at Central Drug Addiction Treatment Center(CTC) premises have been started.
In addition, the government has planned to establish seven treatment and rehabilitation centers with facilities of 200 beds in 7 divisional headquarters. Furthermore, under the Ministry of Health, for the treatment of substance use disorder, there are 30 beds in the Mental hospital ,Pabna and 50 beds at National Institute of Mental Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Besides the services provided by the government, there are NGO's and private treatment services for people with substance use disorder. Department of Narcotics Control, Bangladesh, issued 25 new licenses for private treatment centers between 1 January to 31 December 2024.In total,387 private drug addiction treatment centers are working on various aspects of harm reduction in Bangladesh. Among them, there are two rehabilitation centers for adult females and one rehabilitation center for children and adolescents. In total, in 2024 86 NGOs are working in the drug field licensed from DNC.
To enhance treatment quality and increase the capacity of non-government treatment and rehabilitation centers and NGO's in 2019Government donation rules for non-government treatment and rehabilitation centers were approved by Ministry of Home Affairs. In 2024,the Department of Narcotics Control distributed BDT300,00,000(3crore) among130 non-government treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Socio-demographic data from all patients admitted to the treatment facility of Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Khulna ,Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions under the Department of Narcotics Control, Bangladesh from 01 January to 31 December 2024 were recorded following a semi-structured questionnaire, analyzed and presented below. However, as this information came from a treatment facility where all samples are from a hospital setting, inference should be drawn as frequency rather than prevalence. 
Figure I:The graphical presentation of six substances of use among patients admitted in treatment facility of Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Khulna, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions under the Department of Narcotics Control, Bangladesh in 2024
Figure-I shows cannabis use is the highest, and opioid use is second. In addition, there was a gradual increase in opioids, *Yaba, alcohol, benzodiazepine and inhalants use.*Yaba is a local name of a substance with an unknown combination of methamphetamine and synthetic caffeine
Figure II: The graphical presentation of the distribution of patients by literacy among patients admitted in treatment facilities of Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Khulna, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions under the Department of Narcotics Control,Bangladesh in 2024.
Figure-II shows the graphical presentation of literacy which shows that most of the patients were literate.
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Summary
Drug addiction is a complex and multidimensional social problem. Drug-addicted families never fully recover from the anxiety and suffering their experience. In any country, drug abuse, illegal trafficking and associated criminal activities are worrisome because they have a tendency to ruin the family life and deteriorate the society of the very same time. Bangladesh is in a particularly precarious geographic position . Investigations by law enforcement have shown the establishment of clandestine drug laboratory in several areas along the border outside of Bangladesh. Bangladesh, like the rest of the world ,is working tirelessly to combat drug trafficking. The Department of Narcotics Control is Bangladesh's nodal agency responsible for preventing drug abuse and trafficking.
Despite numerous challenges to stopping the drug epidemic, the DNC has stepped up efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and the related cash flows at all costs. The fight against drug trafficking requires the mobilization of all societal parties. The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) is launching a nationwide motivational anti-drug campaign that engages all pertinent parties, from the lowest to the highest levels, in an effort to increase public awareness.
Yaba and Crystal Meth (ATS) are among the substances that are increasingly being trafficked into Bangladesh from Myanmar via this border region. In this area and elsewhere, the steady flow of yaba is concerning. The seizures indicate that in addition to Yaba & Crystal Meth, also known as ICE, is becoming more prevalent. In Bangladesh, Cannabis remains the most often used drug, followed by heroin, and syrup made from codeine.
A new substance known as "Dandy"-an adhesive derived from toluene-has become very popular and inexpensive among street kids. Recently, the urban youth have become familiar with synthetic substances like Crystal Meth, LSD, DOB, and MDMA, which pose a threat to their rapid spread via social media and other communication platforms. New narcotics and New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are spreading more easily thanks to online marketplaces and platforms.
According to the 2024 seizure report, the biggest drug market is in Dhaka. The bulk of people living in urban slums are vagrants. For very little money, drug smugglers and dealers hide in many of these slums. It is believed that these slums are crucial sites for the distribution and storage of drugs. Drug traffickers recruit young individuals from these economically disadvantaged groups, including women and children, to work as drug dealers.
The emergence of technology and internet-based, user-friendly communication platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Whatsapp, Viber, Telegram, Messenger, Darknet and others is another significant factor in the growth and diversification of drug markets. Furthermore, many international students use synthetic drugs such as LSD, MDMA, ketamine, DOB, etc., and upon their return, they try
The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), Bangladesh Police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Bangladesh Coast Guard, and Bangladesh Customs are authorized to interdict and combat drug offenses in accordance with the terms of the Narcotics Control Act, 2018.Members of these organizations can conduct anti-drug drives and arrest drug dealers, but only the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) and Bangladesh police are permitted to investigate charges filed under the aforementioned Act. These groups collaborate closely and get along well to bolster anti-drug campaigns.
Demand and supply of drugs are closely related to each other. Drug supply will decline if demand declines, are vice versa. For this reason, Bangladesh is currently placing a high priority on raising public awareness and reducing side-to-side supply. The various events carried out in 2024 to raise awareness among the populace nationwide.
In order to regulate and control the importation, use, production, storage, sale, dosage form, and consumption of narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals, Bangladesh has implemented a number of measures. The goal of these measures is to prevent the synthesis of illegal drugs and the diversion of chemicals from a legitimate source to the illegal market. Bangladesh does not create many precursor chemicals. Bangladesh remains vigilant, particularly in relation to precursor chemical activities, transit, and diversion. The Department of Narcotics Control is responsible for overseeing the regulation of precursor chemicals in Bangladesh. Bangladesh monitors the illegal precursor chemicals trade in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies such as UNODC and Interpol.
The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) must be armed with cutting-edge technology training facilities, personnel, infrastructure, and logistical support in order to destroy the traffickers' stronghold. In order to promote public safety, community trust, and efficient law enforcement, the organization must also be modernized to meet the evolving demands of society, technology, and crime. DNC of Bangladesh implements effective methods and engages top professionals to combat illegal substances in the country .The DNC also works with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on capacity-building programs to ensure the Agency's effective operations.
The Department of Narcotics Control is working tirelessly in spite of a number of obstacles. To assert that all objectives have been accomplished or that the intended level has been attained would be nonsensical. However, it's equally important to acknowledge that the drug problem did not start suddenly and is not specific to any one nation. Nowadays, drugs are viewed as a major issue everywhere. It will take time to defeat this dreadful threat. It is difficult to get rid of. The administration has implemented a number of measures in light of Bangladesh's unique circumstances and the state of the world.
The officers and staff of the Department of Narcotics Control work around the clock to complete their assigned tasks. This is a complicated issue that cannot be resolved by a single entity using the legislation alone.
Harm Reduction
Harm Reduction refers to policies, programs ,and practices that aim to minimize the negative health, social and legal impacts of drug use, drug policies, and drug laws (Harm Reduction International). This non-judgmental approach is combined with a range of health and social services Though there is popular opinion that harm reduction promotes or encourages drug use but in reality harm reduction helps people to make healthier choices for themselves. Harm reduction recognizes that there will always he some people who will use drugs, and some people who may be unwilling or unable to stop using drugs. Harm reduction offers policies, programs, and practices that aim to minimize the negative health, social and legal impacts associated with drug use as well as drug laws and policies. The Services include, but are not limited to: drug consumption rooms (also called overdose prevention centers or supervised consumption sites) where drugs can be consumed under supervision; housing and employment initiatives which do not require abstinence as a pre-condition; drug-checking services where people can check illegal drugs for adulterants, overdose prevention and reversal; psychosocial support; and the provision of information on safer drug use. Does harm reduction reduce crime?
There is evidence to suggest that harm reduction services such as opioid agonist therapy can reduce crime, including violent crime. There is also evidence to suggest that harm reduction services such as drug consumption rooms (also known as overdose prevention centres or supervised consumption sites) do not lead to any increase in crime in the local area In Bangladesh according to the Narcotics Control Act.2018 reduction of supply and demand, prevention, and the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts are designated to the Department of Narcotics Control under the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to the act, DNC is responsible for conducting any research or survey for the collection of any information relating to narcotics, taking measures related to the production, supply, use and control of narcotic drugs, taking necessary measures regarding the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, the establishment and monitoring of drug addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers.
However, substance use disorder is a non-communicable disorder and there is a positive correlation with another communicable disease like AIDS, Hepatitis A. Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C. STI. The Ministry of Health is also involved with Health reduction through the National AIDS/STD Program (NASP) of Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).Although Bangladesh is still considered to be a low-prevalence country for HIV, it remains extremely vulnerable given its dire poverty. overpopulation, needle syringe sharing, drug use pattern, and gender inequality, high mobility of the population in the country, and having sex without condoms. Migration to other countries for employment is also very common, particularly among younger people.
The World Health Organization (WHO),the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS(UNAIDS)recommend that OST be provided as part of an evidence-based public health response for people who inject drugs (PWID) with a comprehensive package to include the following interventions like
1. Needle and syringe programs (NSPs).
2. Opioid substitution therapy (OST) and other evidence-based drug-dependence treatments
3. HIV testing services (HTS),
4. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people living with HIV.
5. Prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)(and sexual and reproductive health services),
6. Condom programs for people who inject drug sand their sexual partners,
7. Targeted information, education, and communication (IEC).
8. Prevention, vaccination, diagnosis, and treatment of viral hepatitis B and C.
9. Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB).
10.Community distribution of naloxone for prevention and treatment of opioid overdose.
In the context of Bangladesh, nearly all harm reduction interventions for People who Inject Drugs (PWID) have been available for except community distribution of naloxone for prevention and treatment of opioid overdose.
In addition, under the title harm reduction, there are treatment facilities (inpatient and outpatient based detoxification, outpatient-based service, drop-in centers e.tc.),echo training to develop service providers in substance use disorder management, psycho-education for family members e.t.c.
To integrate harm reduction service with generic health care delivery systems at different levels of care formulation of National Guidelines for the Management of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) is in the process of inception. Overall harm reduction activities in Bangladesh will be described below under the title of treatment facilities, echo training, opioid substitution therapy (OST) in Bangladesh and challenges in harm reduction.
Treatment Facilities
Treatment service for the people suffering from substance use disorder, the Government of Bangladesh provides through the Central Drug Addiction Treatment Center (CTC) in Dhaka (124 beds),and three regional treatment centers Rajshahi (25 beds), Chittagong (25 beds) and Khulna (25 beds). The bed capacity of Central Drug Addiction Treatment Center (CTC) is 124 where 90 beds for adult males, 10 beds for children and adolescents and 24 more beds for females are allocated. To establish a quality tertiary care service for substance use disorder a project to build a 13 stored treatment and rehabilitation complex at Central Drug Addiction Treatment Center(CTC) premises have been started.
In addition, the government has planned to establish seven treatment and rehabilitation centers with facilities of 200 beds in 7 divisional headquarters. Furthermore, under the Ministry of Health, for the treatment of substance use disorder, there are 30 beds in the Mental hospital ,Pabna and 50 beds at National Institute of Mental Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Besides the services provided by the government, there are NGO's and private treatment services for people with substance use disorder. Department of Narcotics Control, Bangladesh, issued 25 new licenses for private treatment centers between 1 January to 31 December 2024.In total,387 private drug addiction treatment centers are working on various aspects of harm reduction in Bangladesh. Among them, there are two rehabilitation centers for adult females and one rehabilitation center for children and adolescents. In total, in 2024 86 NGOs are working in the drug field licensed from DNC.
To enhance treatment quality and increase the capacity of non-government treatment and rehabilitation centers and NGO's in 2019Government donation rules for non-government treatment and rehabilitation centers were approved by Ministry of Home Affairs. In 2024,the Department of Narcotics Control distributed BDT300,00,000(3crore) among130 non-government treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Socio-demographic data from all patients admitted to the treatment facility of Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Khulna ,Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions under the Department of Narcotics Control, Bangladesh from 01 January to 31 December 2024 were recorded following a semi-structured questionnaire, analyzed and presented below. However, as this information came from a treatment facility where all samples are from a hospital setting, inference should be drawn as frequency rather than prevalence.
Figure I:The graphical presentation of six substances of use among patients admitted in treatment facility of Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Khulna, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions under the Department of Narcotics Control, Bangladesh in 2024
Figure-I shows cannabis use is the highest, and opioid use is second. In addition, there was a gradual increase in opioids, *Yaba, alcohol, benzodiazepine and inhalants use.*Yaba is a local name of a substance with an unknown combination of methamphetamine and synthetic caffeine
Figure II: The graphical presentation of the distribution of patients by literacy among patients admitted in treatment facilities of Dhaka, Chittagong, Barisal, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Khulna, Rangpur and Rajshahi divisions under the Department of Narcotics Control,Bangladesh in 2024.
Figure-II shows the graphical presentation of literacy which shows that most of the patients were literate.
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