Exploited for Tk8,000: Two children used as mules to smuggle 6,615 yaba tablets
RAB says the syndicate used children to evade law enforcement, with a detained woman admitting the same two children had previously been used twice to transport yaba to Chattogram.
A drug trafficking syndicate allegedly turned two children, aged nine and 12, into human drug couriers, making them swallow 6,615 yaba tablets packed in 133 capsule-like packets and carry the contraband from Ukhiya to Chattogram for just Tk8,000, according to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
RAB said the syndicate adopted the risky tactic of using children to evade law enforcement agencies. During interrogation, a detained woman reportedly admitted that the same two children had previously been used twice to transport yaba consignments to Chattogram.
Acting on intelligence, a team of RAB-7 set up a temporary checkpoint in the Tailardip area of Anwara upazila, Chattogram, on Saturday and detained the two children along with the woman.
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They were later taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital, where X-rays revealed a large number of suspicious objects inside their stomachs. Under medical supervision, the packets were gradually expelled naturally through bowel movements.
RAB said that a total of 6,615 yaba tablets were recovered from 133 packets following medical treatment at the hospital. RAB-7 Company Commander Lieutenant Commander Md Tawhidul Islam confirmed the information in a press release issued today (7 September).
He said the children were aged 12 and nine, but their detailed identities were not immediately available. The woman detained with them was not related to the children, he said.
The TBS saw the names mentioned in the release but chose not to disclose them due to the children's age.
RAB-7 Commander Lieutenant Colonel Md Mostafizur Rahman said the yaba tablets had been packed into small capsules, with each capsule containing around 40 to 50 tablets.
During initial questioning, the children reportedly told RAB that an individual had paid each of them Tk4,000, or Tk8,000 in total, to transport the drugs and had promised them additional payment after the consignment was delivered in Chattogram.
They also said they had previously travelled to Chattogram twice carrying yaba in the same manner, indicating that the syndicate had repeatedly used them to transport drugs using the dangerous method.
The children were taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital at around 2am on Sunday and later admitted to the Department of Paediatric Surgery.
After X-rays detected the capsules inside their stomachs, doctors began removing them while keeping the children under close observation. A subsequent X-ray showed that their stomachs were clear.
Chattogram Civil Surgeon Mohammad Sajedur Rahman said yaba is generally wrapped in plastic and formed into small, capsule-like packets before being swallowed.
"Carrying drugs inside the body in this manner is extremely risky," he said.
He warned that if a capsule becomes lodged in the intestine or ruptures, the drug can quickly spread through the body, causing poisoning, serious health complications and even death.
RAB officials said the two children are currently physically stable but remain under observation at the hospital. They will be questioned further after being discharged following completion of their treatment.
Based on information provided by the children and the detained woman, RAB is attempting to identify and arrest those involved in using the children to smuggle the yaba, officials said.
