Detectives from Dhaka Divisional Unit of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) have arrested American citizen ., 22, the key perpetrator behind running a technology-driven laboratory inside a residence in Wari, Dhaka, to cultivate the non-conventional synthetic drug “Kush.”
The operation was conducted between 8:30am and 9am on Sunday at his house on Rankin Street in Wari, Dhaka.
Following his arrest, a dope test was administered, which returned positive results for both methamphetamine and cannabinoids.
During the raid, officers seized 10 methamphetamine-infused Yaba tablets, 100 grams of cannabis, and paraphernalia used for consuming Yaba and cannabis.
During initial interrogation, Tawsif disclosed his involvement in supplying Yaba and Kush to various drug dealers across Dhaka.
Detailed investigations are ongoing regarding other dimensions of his drug trade, as well as the sources of his drug procurement and supply network.
A regular case has been registered against Tawsif Hasan at Wari Police Station under the Narcotics Control Act on charges of possessing the seized Yaba and cannabis.
Preparations are also underway to show him arrested in the earlier Kush lab case and to bring him under remand for questioning.
Background and discovery of the lab
The investigation traces back to last January, when the DNC launched an inquiry into an attempt to smuggle Yaba to the United States via an international courier service, leading detectives to raid Tawsif’s Wari home.
During that operation, law enforcement discovered a specially designed indoor laboratory for cultivating Kush.
Seized items included Kush seeds imported from California, USA, cultivated Kush plants, freshly harvested Kush, cultivation equipment, shisha apparatus, and foreign liquor.
Evidence was also uncovered of Kush cultivation in multiple pots inside a temperature-controlled room constructed with tin and foil paper on the house rooftop.
Modus operandi and earlier arrests
Investigations revealed that Tawsif learnt Kush cultivation techniques while residing in California, USA.
After returning to Bangladesh, he established the specialised laboratory at his residence and began cultivating Kush. Even while remaining abroad, he regulated the lab’s temperature and monitored overall operations remotely using technology.
A female friend reportedly assisted him in these activities. Around the same time, an attempt was made through this associate, using a fake identity, to send 32 Yaba tablets to the United States via an international courier service, which was intercepted by the DNC.
The associate and the house caretaker were subsequently arrested, and a case was filed at Tongi West Police Station, listing Tawsif as a fugitive accused.
Law enforcement authorities had been attempting to identify and apprehend Tawsif, the primary suspect in the case, for a long time.
