Staff Correspondent: Police have arrested Md. Rifat Islam (28), locally known as “Ganja Rifat,” during an anti-narcotics operation in the Jamtala Balu Math area of Nikunja Tanpara under Khilkhet in the capital on Saturday evening.

According to police, the operation was conducted around 7:00 p.m. based on confidential information. During the raid, officers recovered cannabis (ganja), several drug-consuming accessories, and multiple traditional smoking pipes (kolkis) allegedly used for consuming cannabis. The seized items were taken into police custody as evidence. A case has been filed against the suspect under the Narcotics Control Act with Khilkhet Police Station.

Police and local sources identified the arrested individual as Md. Rifat Islam, a resident of House Kha-119, Jamtala, Nikunja Tanpara. His father is Md. Babul Mia, locally known as “Loira Babul,” and his mother is Rashida Begum.

Residents claim that Rifat has long been known in Nikunja Tanpara, Jamtala, and surrounding areas by the nickname “Ganja Rifat.” According to local allegations, he was not only involved in the sale of cannabis but also maintained a network of drug users in the neighborhood. Residents further alleged that he regularly gathered young people at different locations, where cannabis was openly consumed, and that he encouraged newcomers to use drugs.

Several local residents also alleged that gatherings involving drug use were frequently held at his residence and other nearby locations. They claimed that many parents had become increasingly concerned about the safety of their children and often discouraged them from going out in the evening due to the growing presence of drug-related activities in the area.

According to local sources, Rifat was previously named in an attempted murder case filed with Khilkhet Police Station on August 28, 2024. The case includes allegations under multiple sections of the Bangladesh Penal Code, including unlawful assembly, trespassing, assault, causing grievous injury, attempted murder, vandalism, extortion, criminal intimidation, and abetment.

Residents also alleged that he had been linked to incidents involving intimidation, vandalism, mob formation, and activities associated with local juvenile gangs. These allegations remain unproven and are subject to legal proceedings.

Local residents said the growing presence of drug-related activities in the densely populated residential neighborhood had become a matter of serious concern. They believe that dismantling individual drug operations alone will not eliminate the problem unless the broader criminal network behind drug trafficking is identified and brought to justice.
Khilkhet Police said their anti-narcotics campaign is continuing with increased surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted operations aimed at identifying and prosecuting those involved in drug trafficking and distribution.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sohrab Al Hossain of Khilkhet Police Station said, “Khilkhet Police maintains a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. No individual is above the law, regardless of political affiliation, social influence, or personal identity. Anyone found involved in drug trafficking, organizing drug abuse, or encouraging young people to engage in narcotics will face strict legal action. Our anti-drug operations will continue with greater intensity.”

Residents welcomed the OC’s statement, saying that recent anti-drug operations have created pressure on local drug dealers and reduced the visibility of open drug abuse in the area. However, they urged law enforcement agencies to continue the drives on a regular basis and take action not only against street-level dealers but also against the organizers and suppliers behind the drug network.

Community leaders and local residents believe that while law enforcement plays a crucial role, sustained public awareness, family support, educational institutions, and community participation are equally important in preventing drug abuse among young people. They expressed hope that continued anti-narcotics operations would help transform Nikunja Tanpara, Jamtala, and the greater Khilkhet area into a safer, drug-free residential community.