DNC plans major modernisation to strengthen anti-drug operations
The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has outlined a modernisation plan to address manpower shortages, upgrade enforcement technology, establish specialised investigative units and expedite the prosecution of drug-related cases across the country.
The proposed roadmap aims to strengthen the department’s operational capacity through increased recruitment, improved logistics, advanced detection equipment, specialised training and closer coordination with other law enforcement agencies, said sources at the DNC.
The DNC currently has 2,272 personnel against an approved workforce of 2,943, leaving 671 positions vacant, placing additional pressure on field operations and enforcement activities nationwide.
Logistical constraints further complicate the department’s work. Official vehicles are unavailable in 13 districts, while shortages of modern detection equipment, including X-ray scanners, handheld drug detectors and body-worn cameras, limit operational readiness.
The department also lacks several specialised facilities, including a dedicated canine squad, a digital forensic laboratory and a specialised training academy, said the sources, adding inadequate modern communication systems and wireless radio devices have added to the challenges faced by field-level officers.
"The proposed action plan aims to transform the DNC into a better-equipped, technology-driven and professionally trained enforcement agency capable of responding more effectively to evolving drug-related threats," Additional Director General (Joint Secretary) of the DNC Mohammad Golam Azam told BSS today.
Under the proposed plan, the DNC intends to expand its physical infrastructure by constructing dedicated office buildings at district and upazila levels.
It also plans to establish prosecution offices on the premises of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) courts to improve coordination between investigators and prosecutors.
Field personnel are expected to receive modern equipment, including body-worn cameras, wireless communication devices, portable drug-detection systems, advanced X-ray scanners and firearms, as outlined in the roadmap.
The department also plans to establish a dedicated dog squad to enhance drug detection and a Cyber Security and Money Laundering Unit to strengthen investigations into technology-facilitated drug trafficking and the financial networks supporting the illicit drug trade.
A digital forensic laboratory is another key component of the strategy, reflecting the growing importance of electronic evidence in criminal investigations.
"Strengthening technological and forensic capabilities is essential to building evidence-based investigations and keeping pace with increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking networks," Azam said.
Human resource development is another major priority. The DNC plans to establish a dedicated training academy and recruit specialised public prosecutors while equipping enforcement personnel with the skills and logistical support required for modern operations.
The strategy also emphasises stronger public engagement through dedicated hotlines or call centres and anti-drug awareness signboards.
To improve security at key entry points, the department proposes signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Armed Police Battalion (APBN) for joint anti-narcotics operations at airports and other strategic locations.
Such cooperation is expected to strengthen information-sharing and operational coordination, particularly in areas vulnerable to drug smuggling.
Alongside operational reforms, the DNC has proposed changes aimed at expediting the trial of narcotics cases and improving prosecution outcomes.
One key proposal is to empower departmental prosecutors with the full authority of public prosecutors under the applicable provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898, subject to the necessary legal and administrative approvals.
The proposal is intended to improve case presentation, strengthen coordination between investigators and prosecutors, and reduce delays in the judicial process.
"Effective enforcement does not end with an arrest; it also requires strong evidence, competent prosecution and timely judicial proceedings," DNC ADG Azam said.
While the proposed measures represent a comprehensive vision for modernising Bangladesh's anti-narcotics enforcement system, their success will depend on timely funding, recruitment, equipment procurement, institutional coordination and effective implementation.
Filling the 671 vacant positions, addressing transport shortages in 13 districts and establishing the planned specialised units will be critical first steps in translating the strategy into measurable operational improvements.
"If implemented effectively, the roadmap could strengthen the DNC's capacity to investigate drug-related crimes, disrupt trafficking networks and improve the handling of narcotics cases across the country," the DNC ADG said.
