Special cameras are being installed in the Naf River in Teknaf to curb drug smuggling and human trafficking. The Naf River, which spans 63 km of the 270 km Bangladesh-Myanmar border, is notorious as a major route for these illegal activities. The river varies in width, averaging 1,400 meters, and alternates between flowing through Bangladesh, splitting between the two countries, and flowing entirely through Myanmar. Given the challenges law enforcement agencies face in combating smuggling via the river, the police have initiated the installation of these special cameras.
Sources indicate that around 10,000 people reside along the Naf River from Hoikang Union in Teknaf Upazila of Cox’s Bazar to Shahpari Island in Sabrang Union. On August 25, 2017, a massive influx of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar crossed the river, with over 1 million entering Bangladesh. This influx coincided with a surge in Yaba trafficking. To counter these issues, Bangladesh eventually halted fishing in the Naf River, citing concerns over drug trafficking and Rohingya infiltration. However, despite these measures, Yaba continues to be smuggled from Myanmar into Bangladesh, with law enforcement agencies making daily seizures. The severity of the trafficking problem is evident from law enforcement statistics.
In 2022 alone, law enforcement agencies recovered over 900 crore BDT worth of Yaba and ice smuggled through the Naf River, leading to the arrest of 3,093 individuals in 2,310 cases. In the previous year, 2021, drugs, gold, and various stolen goods worth 285 crore BDT were seized in Teknaf.
It is reported that Yaba trafficking through the Naf River into Teknaf requires minimal upfront investment. Payments to Myanmar-based drug dealers are made only after the Yaba safely reaches the intended recipient, with carriers earning a substantial commission. As a result, if the drugs are intercepted by law enforcement, the financial responsibility between smugglers in the two countries remains minimal. The Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Headquarters are increasingly concerned about the rising incidents of smuggling. Consequently, under the direction of the police headquarters, intelligence units conducted a thorough survey and investigation around the Naf River.
A police official from a special agency stated that the initial plan is to install 200 special cameras in the Naf River. These cameras, which are capable of operating at night, will be strategically placed—100 underwater and 100 along the riverbank. Smuggling hotspots along the riverbanks have been identified. If all goes according to plan, the installation will be completed within the year. The exact locations of the cameras will remain confidential, known only to the installation team. The cameras will be monitored by a specialized police agency in Dhaka, enabling the identification of individuals crossing the river. Any suspicious activity captured on video will be immediately reported to law enforcement, allowing for swift action. Coordination among border law enforcement agencies will be essential for the success of this initiative.