A covert narcotics operation in the Nawabganj Lane area of Ward No. 23 under Lalbagh Police Station in Dhaka has triggered widespread concern following a police raid that uncovered a significant quantity of locally brewed alcohol and led to the arrest of a woman.
Acting on information provided by local residents, officers from Bangladesh Police conducted a swift operation on Thursday afternoon. The raid targeted a five-storey residential building where allegations had circulated for an extended period regarding drug consumption and distribution activities.
During the search, police recovered approximately 3 to 3.5 litres of “country liquor” commonly known as Bangla mod, stored in large drums, plastic containers, and sealed polythene packets. Authorities also reported attempts to destroy evidence, with the detained woman allegedly pouring portions of the alcohol into a bathroom drain and discarding some quantities before officers entered the premises.
Key Details of the Incident
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Nawabganj Lane, Ward 23, Lalbagh, Dhaka |
| Operation conducted by | Lalbagh Police Station under Bangladesh Police |
| Seized items | Approx. 3–3.5 litres of country-made liquor |
| Arrested individual | Female tenant |
| Allegations | Drug consumption and illegal trade hub |
| Local claims | Possible involvement of landlord’s family member |
Residents of the area alleged that the house had long been functioning as a hub for narcotics-related activities. According to multiple local accounts, individuals of various ages—particularly younger people—were frequently seen entering and leaving the premises, raising longstanding suspicions within the community.
Further allegations suggest that the landlord’s son, identified as Sajjad, may have been involved in facilitating drug-related activities, including yaba trafficking, although these claims remain under police investigation. Locals also asserted that the property may have been knowingly rented out for illicit purposes.
The arrested woman, however, denied the allegations, claiming she is employed in a government institution and has been residing in the property with her husband for several months. She further alleged that Sajjad, who occupies another room in the same building, is a known drug user and attempted to coerce her into involvement in narcotics trade.
She also claimed there had been a financial dispute involving approximately 30,000 Bangladeshi taka, alongside accusations that Sajjad and a relative forcibly collected additional sums of 20,000 and 4,000 taka from her.
In response, Sajjad admitted to a history of drug use but insisted that he is no longer involved in any illegal narcotics activities. He acknowledged that a group of friends occasionally gathered in the basement area but denied any ongoing drug trade.
The incident has sparked significant debate within the local community, with many residents expressing concern that such activities may have continued unchecked for a prolonged period despite occurring in a densely populated residential area.
A senior officer from Lalbagh Thana Police confirmed that the raid was conducted based on verified local intelligence. He added that legal proceedings are underway against the detained woman, and investigations are continuing to determine whether the seized quantity represents the full extent of the illegal stockpile.