Remote-Controlled Drug Lab in Dhaka Linked to U.S.-Based Operator, Two Arrested
Bangladesh’s Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has uncovered an unusual drug cultivation and trafficking operation in which a U.S.-based individual allegedly supervised the production of an uncommon cannabis strain known as “Kush” from abroad using remote-control technology.
Investigators said the network was physically operating in Dhaka but was being overseen from California in the United States. The case came to light after authorities intercepted a drug-filled parcel destined for the U.S. during a raid in Gazipur.
According to the DNC, the suspected mastermind, 22-year-old Tousif Hasan, learned advanced cannabis cultivation techniques while living in California. He allegedly set up an indoor laboratory inside his residence in the Wari area of Old Dhaka and monitored temperature, lighting, and other environmental conditions remotely while staying abroad.
Officials said a female associate assisted in the operation locally, while a caretaker of the house was also involved. Both were arrested during follow-up raids in Dhaka.
The investigation began after intelligence suggested attempts were being made to smuggle yaba tablets to the U.S. through international courier services. Acting on the tip-off, DNC officers conducted an operation at a courier office in Tongi, Gazipur, where they recovered 32 yaba tablets hidden inside a parcel booked using a fake national identity card.
Authorities believe the seized drugs were sent by the female suspect in Dhaka to Tousif Hasan in California. CCTV footage from the courier office helped identify the sender, leading to her arrest in the Khilgaon area of the capital.
Following her interrogation, officers raided Tousif’s residence in Wari, where they detained the house caretaker, who is accused of supplying yaba to the female suspect. A case has been filed against the accused at Tongi West Police Station.
Indoor “Kush” Cultivation
DNC officials said they discovered a specially designed indoor laboratory used for cultivating “Kush,” which they described as a high-potency and advanced variety of cannabis. The raid recovered imported Kush seeds from California, cannabis plants, freshly harvested drugs, cultivation and smoking equipment, and foreign liquor.
Investigators also found a temperature-controlled cultivation room on the building’s rooftop, constructed using tin sheets and foil paper, containing multiple growing tubes used for cannabis production.
The operation was led by Mehdi Hasan, deputy director of the DNC’s intelligence division. He said Tousif is a U.S. citizen who visits Bangladesh several times a year and allegedly brought Kush seeds from California to cultivate the drug locally.
Background and Ongoing Probe
Officials said Tousif grew up in Wari and later moved to the United States after completing his O-Level education in Bangladesh. Investigators claim he maintained connections in Dhaka and used those relationships to manage the drug operation remotely.
The case file states that the seized parcel contained amphetamine-based yaba tablets concealed in a sophisticated manner. Authorities are now verifying the identities of all individuals linked to the case and investigating whether the group is part of a larger international drug trafficking network.
