ACC asks DNC to submit revised list of drug smugglers

Having failed to proceed against drug smugglers with a flawed list submitted by the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has asked it to submit a revised list of the country’s top drug peddlers within a month. “Actions will be taken against the DNC officials concerned if they fail to submit the list within the stipulated time,” ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood warned on Sunday. He was addressing a seminar styled “Aggression of hazardous drugs and our responsibilities,” organised jointly by the DNC and Security Service Division under the Home Ministry at the Bangladesh Institute of Administration and Management auditorium in Dhaka on Sunday. He asked for an updated list as the smugglers’ details mentioned in the previous list did not properly correspond with their real address. When contacted, a DNC source said seeking anonymity: “A few months ago, we submitted a list of 4,000 smugglers to the ACC, which later prepared a shortlist containing 365 names and launched an investigation against 17 smugglers.” Alleging that the DNC has been in disarray, Mahmood said: “I gave them a one-month ultimatum to fix errors and update the list; or else they will have to face actions. “Information on one or two persons may be wrong. But, how can everyone’s address be wrong?” Putting emphasis on collaborative efforts to prevent drug smuggling, Mahmood suggested introducing dope tests for vehicle drivers and students seeking admission to educational institutions so the drug abuse could be trimmed down. Asked about the objections raised by the ACC chief, DNC Director General Salauddin Mahmud said: “I was not in charge of the department when the ACC asked for the list. I am, however, taking the matter seriously and will hopefully be able to provide an updated list within the time.” Underscoring the need for a specific law for rehabilitation centres, Security Service Division Secretary Farid Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury said: “There should be coordination between the rehabilitation centres and Health Division.