The incident took place at Mirpur police station in Kushtia. All it happened at the initiative of the officer-in-charge who launched a motivation drive after arrested drug peddlers obtained bail from court and returned to their old profession.

Mirpur, a bordering upazila, is known for long as a vital area for drug smuggling and trading in southwestern region, Poradah being the main conduit.

Drugs are being smuggled from across the border and those are supplied from Poradah to different areas of Kushtia, Meherpur and Chuadanga.

A number of syndicates are involved in drug smuggling and trading.

After joining Mirpur police station as Officer-in-Charge (OC) in March, SM Kamruzzaman, launched a drive against the crime and arrested a number of drug traders and smugglers within short time.

But all obtained bail from and started resumed the illegal trade.

"Then I thought about alternatives and launched a campaign to motivate drug smugglers and traders", Kamruzzaman said talking to this correspondent.

He formed 'village committee' in all the 196 villages in Murpur upazila involving youths to launch a campaign and with their help made a list of alleged drug traffickers in last two months.

He also urged people of all walks of life including public representatives to extend a helping help in this regard, the OC said.

"Since then I am going to them (drug traders) and motivating them to leave the profession and take to something else to lead a hassle-free happy life," the OC said.

Many of them responded and sought help to begin a new life.

Thirteen drug traders came to the police station and expressed their will to give up drug peddling. Poradah Union Parishad member Sarmin Akther Nasrin was the mediator.

The 13 are Anis Mridha, Babul, Delwar Rahman, Sahar Ali, Ohidul Islam, Sahidul Islam and Hasem Ali of North Katdah village; Abdul Hannan and Amirul Islam of Chitholia; Maga and Nadder Seikh of Sawrupdah; Baser Ali of Gobindpur; and Zohurul of Katchuadah village. All are from Mirpur upazila.

In presence of local journalists and local elite, they promised not trade on drug any more. They told journalists that they will look for good work to lead an honest life.

The OC told them he will help them in their pursuit of a decent life. They are allowed to go as none faced any case.

Meanwhile, Mirpur municipality area has been declared a drug-free zone.

OC Kamruzzaman, his attempt bore fruit due to cooperation of local people including public representatives.