Field-level officers of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) will now use 9mm semi-automatic pistols during anti-drug operations. The government approved this policy on Monday to enhance the DNC’s operational capacity and ensure officer safety during high-risk missions.
A gazette titled "Department of Narcotics Control (Officers and Staff) Arms Procurement and Usage Policy (Revised) 2025" was issued on Monday, allowing the use of firearms to strengthen field operations and protect personnel against threats posed by drug traffickers.
According to the gazette, a total of 579 field officers—ranging from deputy directors to sub-inspectors—will be authorized to use 9mm semi-automatic pistols. This includes: 90 Deputy Directors; 93 Assistant Directors; 186 Inspectors; and 210 Sub-Inspectors.
Out of the DNC’s total workforce of 3,059 personnel, 1,806 officers and staff are directly involved in field-level anti-narcotics operations. These include a Director General, 4 Directors, 9 Additional Directors, along with additional field and support staff.
Previously, on December 12, 2023, the government approved the 2024 Arms Policy for DNC officers, outlining the necessity of arming personnel for self-protection during raids on notorious drug dealers. The initial policy draft was submitted by the DNC to the Ministry of Home Affairs on September 19, 2023.
Two days later, during a visit to the DNC office, the Home Affairs Advisor suggested providing weapons and necessary training to enable safe and successful operations against illegal drug networks.
Officials explained that the absence of firearms has made DNC officers vulnerable during operations, often facing attacks from armed drug dealers. For example, during raids in Geneva Camp (Mohammadpur) and the 'Chapra slum' near Demra, officers felt threatened by criminals wielding illegal firearms.
Since 2014, two DNC officers have been killed and 124 injured during anti-drug operations, according to DNC statistics.
Discussions around arming DNC officers date back to 2007 under the leadership of the late Dr. Zafar Ullah Kajol, but had not materialized until now due to a lack of government action.
On June 30, 2021, a five-member advisory committee was formed under the Senior Secretary of the Security Services Division to oversee the matter. In July 2024, the committee was tasked with drafting a comprehensive policy within a month, detailing firearm eligibility, storage protocols, and mandatory training for authorized users.
