DNC Busts MDMB Trafficking Ring Using E-Cigarettes; Four Arrested in Dhaka
A criminal ring distributing the dangerous drug ‘MDMB’ through e-cigarettes and vape devices has been busted by the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC). The group ran its operations through social media groups and sourced the substance from Malaysia. The DNC has arrested four members—including the mastermind—and seized 340 milliliters of MDMB, cannabis-infused chocolate, vape devices used for MDMB intake, MDMB e-liquid, and empty canisters prepared for sale.
Those arrested are: Khandaker Toukyrul Kabir Tamim (26), a fourth-year student at a private university; Mehedi Hasan Rakib (26); Md. Masum Masfikur Rahman alias Sahas (27), a sales and marketing officer at a private company; and Md. Ashraful Islam (25), who recently returned from studying in India and started a business in Bangladesh.
At a press conference held at the DNC headquarters in Segunbagicha on Friday, 12 December, officials briefed the media following the country’s first seizure of this newly emerging synthetic drug.
DNC Director General Md. Hasan Maruf stated that the global rise in e-cigarette and vape use among youth has become alarming. Previously, these devices contained nicotine or tobacco derivatives, which were not legally restricted. However, the recent surge in the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS), opioids, and other harmful chemicals inside vape cartridges has raised major concerns.
In response, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) launched an intelligence-gathering initiative called “Operation E-Vapor-8.” As part of this global operation, a specialized DNC detective team in Dhaka began investigating the spread of MDMB in Bangladesh. Their efforts revealed the extent of MDMB’s growing presence.
According to the DNC, the detective team monitored offline and online marketplaces, social media platforms, and the dark web. During this surveillance, they detected the secret circulation of MDMB through vape devices and identified Tamim as a retail seller. Using sources, the team placed a sample order. When Tamim attempted to deliver the drug, he was arrested with 20 milliliters of MDMB in Mirpur Pallabi on 10 December in a coordinated operation led by Deputy Director Mehedi Hasan.
Interrogation and digital forensics of Tamim’s devices led investigators to suspect Mehedi Hasan Rakib. Further surveillance and technological tracking resulted in Rakib’s arrest in Mirpur with 10 milliliters of MDMB.
Rakib’s statement revealed a wider MDMB supply network operating within the country. Investigators then identified Ashraf and Sahas as the masterminds responsible for smuggling MDMB from Malaysia. A subsequent operation led to their arrest and the recovery of five containers totaling 310 milliliters of MDMB from their residence.
Highlighting the dangers of MDMB, the DNC DG warned that this highly potent liquid synthetic drug is being secretly mixed into vape and e-cigarette cartridges. Even a few drops can severely disrupt the nervous system. Hidden behind the popular appeal of vape devices, MDMB can cause rapid addiction, hallucinations, aggressive behavior, and life-threatening cardiac irregularities.
DBTech/JNO/IK/OR
