Police in Ajmiriganj, Habiganj, have arrested five individuals, including three who allegedly posed as journalists, during a late-night anti-narcotics operation at a makeshift newspaper office. Authorities say the premises were being used as a cover for drug distribution activities.
The raid took place around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday (12 May) at an office named “Kalni News” located in the Garubazar area of the municipal town. Acting on confidential intelligence, law enforcement officers conducted a targeted operation and apprehended the suspects while they were allegedly engaged in drug-related activities.
During the search, police recovered 13 yaba tablets, drug consumption equipment, and cash amounting to BDT 6,300, believed to be proceeds from illegal sales. Officials described the location as a disguised media outlet allegedly used to avoid suspicion while conducting narcotics trade.
According to the police, all five detainees are from different parts of the area and had varying claims of association with local media outlets, though investigators have questioned the legitimacy of these credentials.
Details of the arrested individuals
| Name | Age | Alleged Identity | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lalon Parvez | 32 | Self-proclaimed journalist, Kalni News | Shorifnagar |
| Juman Mollah | 35 | Journalist claimant, district newspaper | Shorifnagar |
| Alamgir Mia | 36 | Local resident | Same locality |
| Dilwar Hossain | 33 | Local newspaper affiliate claimant | Azimnagar (Jummahati) |
| Mahfuz Mia | 32 | Local resident | Angur Mia’s area |
Officer-in-Charge Md. Akbar Hossain of Ajmiriganj Police Station confirmed the arrests, stating that the operation was part of an ongoing nationwide drive under a strict zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. He added that the raid was executed based on reliable intelligence indicating drug-related activities at the site.
Police further reported that a case has been filed under the Narcotics Control Act, and all five suspects were produced before a court on Wednesday morning for judicial proceedings.
Investigators are now examining whether the office was deliberately established under the guise of a media organisation to facilitate illegal activities. Authorities also indicated that further inquiries are underway to identify any wider network linked to the suspects.
The incident has raised concerns locally about the misuse of journalistic identity for illicit purposes, prompting calls for stricter verification of media affiliations in the region.