The Ministry of Home Affairs has granted permission to 579 field-level officials of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) to use weapons.

These officials, ranging from deputy directors to sub-inspectors, will now be authorised to use 9 mm semi-automatic pistols (T-54).

Alongside this approval, the ministry has issued the "Department of Narcotics Control (Officers-Employees) Weapon Procurement and Usage Policy 2024."

The Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the policy on Tuesday.

According to the policy, the DNC serves as the nodal agency for curbing narcotics abuse in Bangladesh. Field-level officials regularly conduct narcotics recovery operations, arrest drug traffickers, and manage case investigations.

The ministry developed the policy to strengthen the DNC and address the security risks its officials face during these operations.

DNC currently employs 3,059 personnel. This includes one director general, four directors, nine additional directors, 90 deputy directors, 93 assistant directors, 186 inspectors, 210 sub-inspectors, 285 assistant sub-inspectors, and 928 sepoys. Of them, 1,806 officers and employees are actively involved in narcotics crime suppression.

The ministry has prioritised weapon procurement for 579 field-level personnel, including 90 deputy directors, 93 assistant directors, 186 inspectors, and 210 sub-Inspectors. The policy seeks to enhance their operational capacity and ensure their safety during anti-drug missions.