Staff Reporter:
The Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) has seized 244 litres of foreign liquor and beer from an establishment called ‘Seventy Eight Rest House’ at Gulshan-2 in the capital and arrested its manager.
Md Ataur Rahman Shamim, 42, was arrested during a raid at Seventy Eight Rest House, House 24 on Road 104, at around 2:30am on Friday (16 October).
Led by Zahid Hossain Mollah, additional director of the DNC’s Dhaka divisional office, the operation followed information that the establishment had been storing and selling foreign alcohol without a bar licence.
Officials seized 223 bottles of foreign liquor containing 177 litres and 209 bottles and cans of beer containing another 67 litres.
The DNC’s preliminary investigation found no evidence of a legally registered establishment named German Club, although the venue was reportedly known by that name. It allegedly organised ticketed DJ parties and supplied foreign liquor, beer and other narcotics to attendees.
Shamim was arrested for allegedly storing alcohol illegally for sale after failing to produce documents proving the legality of the seized drinks.
The DNC also named Md Omar Jamil, 45, as an alleged associate. As he was absent during the raid, a case was filed against him as a fugitive suspect.
A case has been filed with Gulshan Police Station against Shamim, Jamil and unidentified others under Sections 36(1), Table 24(c), and 41 of the Narcotics Control Act 2018.
The DNC said investigations were underway to arrest Jamil, establish the nature of the activities conducted under the German Club name and identify others involved.
