Court asks all state agencies to assist IO

A court yesterday directed all government organisations concerned to cooperate with the investigation officer in probing the recent cocaine haul at Chittagong Port.

Chittagong Metropolitan Magistrate Faridul Alam passed the order on two petitions, one filed by Md Kamruzzaman, the investigation officer (IO) and assistant commissioner of Detective Branch of Chittagong Metropolitan Police, and the other by an official of Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate.

The court in its order asked the agencies not to show any "authoritarian attitude" in this regard that may benefit the accused, said sources at the court, adding that the organisation showing such an attitude would be made accused.

On Monday, the IO could not seize the consignment of 107 barrels of sunflower oil, which allegedly contained liquid cocaine, because the customs officials opposed the move citing legal provisions. The court had ordered the IO on Sunday to seize the consignment and collect a sample from each barrel for laboratory tests.

The court yesterday also asked to make the seizure list and collect the samples in presence of the representatives of 

police, Chittagong Customs House, Chittagong Port Authority (CPA), and Narcotics Control Department, said a court official, quoting the order.

On Monday, customs officials did not let the IO seize the consignment, saying the customs act did not permit it. An official also filed a petition with the Chittagong's Additional Metropolitan Magistrate seeking a revision of Sunday's court order on the seizure.

On the other hand, police told the Metropolitan Magistrate in a petition the same day that a "party" did not let them seize the consignment.

The Metropolitan Magistrate heard both petitions yesterday.

The consignment shipped in as sunflower oil was sealed off at Chittagong Port on June 6, and laboratory tests on June 27 confirmed presence of liquid cocaine in one barrel.