The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Md. Azim, known as Phensi Azim, the gang leader of drug trafficking in Barisal city and his associate Md. Iqbal, have been taken on three days' remand from Tuesday for interrogation.

Police and related sources said Phensi Azim, 38, came to Barisal from Patharghata of Barguna district in search of luck and settled in Barisal city in 1994. He amassed crores of taka in cash and kinds by smuggling Sharis and clothes first and then Phensidyl and other drugs from India.

He was able to come out of jail at different times by managing political leaders, law enforcing agencies and even social elites regularly giving huge amounts of bribe.

The detective branch of police again arrested him Sunday night from Mamataz Manzil, the residence of his associate Iqbal Munshi. Police recovered 210 bottles of Phensidyl, cash money and motorcycle from that house. After primary interrogation police produced them before the court praying for seven days' remand on Monday night.

Mainuddin Islam, Chief Metropolitan magistrate of Barisal, sanctioned three days' remand against Phensi Azim and Iqbal.

Police also raided the multistoried luxurious house of Phensi Azim at Bhatikhana Road of the city. Police found the house equipped with security systems including close circuit cameras. They also found proofs of drug transactions, a special room marked with 'restricted area: no entry' for pleasure and entertainment of the drug peddlers, different hiding points for storing Phensidyl and drugs, huge quantities of contraband items and commodities.