Tawsif Hasan. Photo: Collected
The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has arrested Tausif Hasan (22), an American citizen and the mastermind behind the cultivation of an unconventional synthetic drug known as “Kush” in a high-tech, sophisticated laboratory set up inside his residence in Wari, Dhaka.
He was arrested during a raid conducted at his home on Rankin Street, under the jurisdiction of Wari Police Station, between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM on Sunday (November 1).
The raid on Tausif’s Wari residence followed an investigation by the DNC into an incident last January, where an attempt was made to smuggle Yaba pills to the United States via an international courier service. During the operation, authorities discovered a laboratory specifically designed for the cultivation of “Kush.” Items seized from the lab included Kush seeds imported from California (USA), cultivated Kush plants, freshly harvested Kush, various cultivation equipment, paraphernalia for smoking shisha, and foreign liquor. Furthermore, evidence of Kush cultivation was also found in pots placed within a temperature-controlled chamber—constructed using tin sheets and foil paper—on the building’s rooftop.
Investigations revealed that Tausif learned the techniques for cultivating Kush while living in California. Upon returning to Bangladesh, he established a specialized laboratory in his home to begin cultivation. Even when abroad, he would monitor the lab’s operations and control its temperature using remote-access technology. The investigation also indicated that a female acquaintance assisted him in these activities.
In the aforementioned incident, the same acquaintance—using a false identity—attempted to send 32 Yaba pills to the United States via an international courier service; the shipment was intercepted during a DNC operation. Following this, the female acquaintance and the caretaker of Tausif’s residence were arrested, and a case was filed at the Tongi West Police Station, in which Tausif was named as a fugitive.
Efforts to locate and apprehend Tausif, the primary suspect in the case, had been ongoing for some time. He was finally taken into custody on Sunday.
Following his arrest, a drug test was conducted, which returned positive results for both methamphetamine and cannabinoids.
During the operation, 10 Yaba tablets (containing methamphetamine), 100 grams of cannabis, and paraphernalia used for the consumption of these substances were recovered from his possession.
In initial questioning, Tawsif revealed his involvement in supplying Yaba and ‘kush’ (a potent strain of cannabis) to various drug dealers across Dhaka. Further investigation is underway to uncover other aspects of his involvement in the drug trade, as well as the sources from which he procured and distributed these substances.
A formal case has been filed against the arrested individual, Tawsif Hasan, at the Wari Police Station under the Narcotics Control Act, 2018, for the possession of the recovered Yaba and cannabis. Additionally, he has been formally arrested in connection with a prior case involving a ‘kush’ laboratory, and procedures are currently underway to place him on remand for further interrogation.
The Department of Narcotics Control will continue to conduct such operations and intelligence-led activities to prevent the production, cultivation, supply, and international trafficking of illicit drugs.