Drug sales and use have spread across Badarganj municipality and remote areas of all 10 unions in Rangpur district, according to allegations in a report published on July 26, 2026. Local residents said transactions and drug-use gatherings operate from morning until late at night at multiple locations. The report said its inquiry found more than 150 drug traders in the upazila and claimed the number of users, including men, women and young people, has exceeded about 50,000.

Residents alleged that law-enforcement operations catch smaller sellers while major operators remain beyond reach. They also accused some police and Department of Narcotics Control officials of maintaining contact with traffickers and alleged administrative inaction. The report named Nagherhat market, railway stations, markets and other locations as places where drugs are allegedly sold openly. Local sources made allegations against several individuals involving yaba, phensedyl, heroin and other drugs.

Sabuj Sonar Member, a local BNP leader, and Ilias Ali denied any involvement with drug trading or users when contacted, though they acknowledged involvement in sand sales. Badarganj police station Officer-in-Charge Hasan Zahid Sarkar said drug trader and user figures could not be provided without checking the register. Rangpur Department of Narcotics Control Deputy Director Abu Jafar cited staff and vehicle shortages, while saying operations continue in Badarganj and other upazilas.