DNC seizes first ‘MDMB’ synthetic drug haul

The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has seized a consignment of a synthetic drug known as "MDMB" for the first time in Bangladesh, reports bdnew3s24.com.

The drug, a liquid substance, is usually consumed by mixing it into vape or e-cigarette cartridges.

The seizure was announced on Friday at a media briefing at the DNC headquarters in the capital's Segunbagicha.

DNC Director-General Hasan Maruf said the drug had been brought into Bangladesh from Malaysia by an organised group.

"Four people, including the ringleader, have been arrested in connection with the smuggling."

He said the consignment was tracked and seized under the global intelligence-sharing programme "Operation Vapour 8", launched by the International Narcotics Control Board.

The arrestees include university students Khandaker Tawkirul Kabir Tamim, 26, and Mehedi Hasan Rakib, 26, private sector employee Masum Masfiqur Rahman alias Shahosh, 27, and Ashraful Islam, 25, whose movements were traced across online marketplaces, social media and the dark web.

A total of 340ml of MDMB, cannabis-infused chocolate and vaping devices were recovered.

Tamim was first arrested with 20ml of MDMB in Mirpur's Pallabi area on Dec 10 after investigators ordered samples from him through a source. His interrogation led to the arrest of Rakib with 10ml of the substance.