The Special Response Battalion (SRB)-3 has arrested four individuals, including a Chinese national, on charges of smuggling medicines worth around Tk7.5 crore used in the treatment of cancer and other complex and incurable diseases.
A huge quantity of Bangladeshi medicines and Tk6,06,140 in cash were seized from their possession.
SRB-3 informed this in a press release sent on Thursday. According to the press release, the suspects were arrested during a special operation conducted in Uttara police station area at around 7:30pm on Wednesday.
The drive was carried out over allegations of illegally sending medicines abroad from Bangladesh and evading government revenue.
The arrested persons have been identified as Chinese national Li Fen, 34; Bokul Nahar Bithi, 24, of Rangpur; Yunus Ali, 26, of Satkhira; and Sajib Howlader, 28, of Patuakhali.
SRB-3 said during initial interrogation and investigation, allegations were found against the group of illegally sending Bangladeshi medicines to various countries, including Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, through courier services.
The ring specifically collected medicines used for treating cancer and other complex and incurable diseases from Bangladesh at relatively lower prices to dispatch them abroad.
Investigations further revealed that Chinese national Li Fen arrived in Bangladesh in August 2024 on a 30-day tourist visa. It was initially learned that he used to return to China two to three days before his visa expired and re-enter Bangladesh within a short time.
On the other hand, arrested Bokul Nahar Bithi studied Business Administration at Hunan Normal University in China from 2019 to 2023, during which she learnt the Chinese language.
After returning to Bangladesh, she gained experience working as an interpreter for various Chinese nationals, according to relevant sources.
According to SRB-3, the ring usually sent medicines abroad via courier services in cartons weighing 24 to 25 kg.
It was also disclosed that on 13 October, customs authorities in Laos seized a 100 kg consignment of medicines sent through courier due to a lack of valid documents.
In addition, initial inquiry information revealed that some dishonest employees of various pharmaceutical companies might be involved in the illegal business in collusion with the ring in hopes of higher profits.
However, a detailed investigation into this matter remains ongoing.
Detailed inquiries are also being conducted regarding the types and quantity of medicines seized during the drive and the allegations brought against the arrested individuals, with legal action against them currently underway, SRB-3 said.
