A team of Detective Branch of police have seized a drug "Scopolamine", also known as "Devil's breath", and arrested two from Narayanganj for their involvement in selling the drug on an online platform.

Superintendent of Police in Narayanganj Golam Mostofa Russel confirmed this during a press briefing at his office this afternoon.

The arrestees are: Shakil Ahammad, 30, of Chandpur's Matlab upazila, and Md Rakib, 32, of Barishal's Babuganj upazila.

They were arrested from Signboard area yesterday evening.

Police seized 10 grammes of Scopolamine drug, 1.2 litres of poison Potassium Cyanide, 2.5 litres of Chloroform, six mobile phones, one laptop and one register book from their possession.

The drug dealing was linked to a murder case filed over the recovery of the body of a teacher of Northern University from the roadside in Purbachal area of Narayangan's Rupganj upazila on August 23 this year, said SP Golam Mostofa.

"When police were checking the contact list on mobile phone of the deceased teacher, a mobile number was found which was not called before. After investigation, we identified Shakil, who is the user of the number. While inquiring about Shakil, we came to know that he sells a special drug 'Scopolamine' on online platforms. This drug is known as 'Devil's Breath' abroad," said Additional SP (DB) Tariqul Islam.

Scopolamine, also known as hyoscine, is a natural or synthetically produced tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic drug that is used as a medication to treat motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting. It is also sometimes used before surgery to decrease saliva. When used by injection, effects begin after about 20 minutes and last for up to eight hours.

This is the first time this drug has been recovered in Bangladesh and it is very alarming that such drugs are being sold here, SP Golam Mostofa said.

"We have seen different drugs like crystal meth at different times. But it is a new name; I myself heard it for the first time and learned about it by studying it. This drug is so powerful that, whoever takes it, loses his normal consciousness and control over himself for a few hours," he said.

Shakil is very proficient technically and has a good understanding of the dark web. He sells Scopolamine, Potassium Cyanide and Chloroform to specific buyers through various online groups. He also maintains a register book for the sales, which has been seized by police, the SP also said.

Arrestee Rakib, who is an employee of an export-oriented chemical company, provides the drugs and chemicals to Shakil. They were involved in this for more than a year, said police officials.

Police have identified this drug ring and are trying to nab the rest of the racket, the SP said.

A narcotics case will be filed in this connection, he also said, adding that how the death of the university teacher took place will be known after the autopsy report and further investigation.

"We are also investigating whether Shakil was involved with the murder," he added.