The Ministry of Home Affairs has granted permission to 579 field-level officials of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) to use weapons during drives.
The Security Service Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the "Department of Narcotics Control (Officers-Employees) Weapon Procurement and Usage Policy 2024 on Tuesday.
These officials, ranging from deputy directors to sub-inspectors, will now be authorized to use 9mm semi-automatic pistols (T-54).
According to the policy, the DNC serves as the nodal agency for curbing narcotics abuse in Bangladesh. Field-level officials regularly conduct narcotics recovery operations, arrest drug traffickers, and manage case investigations.
The ministry said it developed the policy to strengthen the DNC and address the security risks its officials face during these operations.
The DNC currently employs 3,059 personnel. This includes one director general, four directors, nine additional directors, 90 deputy directors, 93 assistant directors, 186 inspectors, 210 sub-inspectors, 285 assistant sub-inspectors, and 928 sepoys.
Of them, 1,806 officers and employees are actively involved in narcotics crime suppression.
The ministry said it has prioritized weapon procurement for 579 field-level personnel, including 90 deputy directors, 93 assistant directors, 186 inspectors, and 210 sub-inspectors.
The policy seeks to enhance their operational capacity and ensure their safety during anti-drug missions.