Dhaka: Field level officials of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) now use 9mm semi-automatic pistols during anti-drug operations following the government’s approval of a new policy. The policy, titled “Department of Narcotics Control (Officers-Employees) Weapon Procurement and Usage Policy (Amended) 2025,” was officially sanctioned through a government gazette on Monday. This policy aims to bolster the DNC’s capabilities and mitigate the security risks faced by its officials during operations against drug traders.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the gazette stipulates that 579 field level officials, ranging from deputy directors to sub-inspectors, are now authorized to carry 9mm semi-automatic pistols. The distribution includes 90 deputy directors, 93 assistant directors, 186 inspectors, and 210 sub-inspectors. Out of the DNC’s total manpower of 3059, 1806 officers and employees, including a director general, directors, additional directors, and various other roles, are actively engaged in field operations to combat narcotics-related crimes.
The government had previously approved a similar policy in December 2024, highlighting the necessity of arming DNC members to ensure their protection while undertaking operations against drug traffickers. The initial policy was submitted to the Home Ministry on September 19, shortly after a visit by the Home Affairs Adviser to the DNC office. The visit underscored the need for firearms and appropriate training to execute successful and secure operations against illegal drugs.
Officials defending the decision to arm DNC personnel cited frequent assaults during operations, attributing these incidents to the lack of firearms. The possession of firearms is deemed essential for ensuring the safety of DNC personnel and the successful execution of their duties against drug peddlers. They also highlighted the risks posed by drug peddlers equipped with illegal firearms, particularly in areas like the Geneva Camp in Mohammadpur and the ‘Chanpara Slum’ near Demra.
Since 2014, two DNC personnel have been killed and 124 others injured during anti-narcotics operations, according to DNC statistics. The idea of arming DNC personnel has been discussed since 2007 but was delayed due to governmental inaction. A significant step forward occurred on June 30, 2021, when a DNC advisory council formed a five-member committee to address the issue.
In July 2024, another five-member committee was established to draft a policy within a month, outlining the distribution of firearms, their preservation, and training for DNC personnel. This move marks a significant development in the DNC’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and effectiveness of its operations against narcotics.