A factory in Keraniganj, on the outskirts of Dhaka, allegedly operated as a covert yaba production facility behind the facade of a paint manufacturing business for nearly a decade, according to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). During a raid on Monday, RAB-2 seized 19,000 yaba tablets, along with raw materials and equipment allegedly used in the production of the illicit drug.
The owner of the factory, identified as 28-year-old Nasir Hossain, was detained in connection with the operation.
RAB-2 Commander Additional Deputy Inspector General Nazmul Hasan disclosed the details at a press briefing held outside the factory in the Sabun Factory Madinanagar area of Shubhadhya Union in South Keraniganj on Monday afternoon.
According to RAB, the investigation began with the arrest of a man identified as Faisal Islam Mithu in the Basila area of Mohammadpur on Sunday. He was allegedly found carrying 11,000 yaba tablets. Information obtained during his questioning subsequently led investigators to a premises on the second floor of Madina Complex in the Madinanagar area of South Keraniganj.
RAB personnel then conducted a search of an establishment known as Nasir Chemical Industries. During the operation, they reportedly recovered 19,000 yaba tablets, a substantial quantity of raw materials and various pieces of equipment allegedly connected to the production of yaba. Nasir Hossain was detained from the premises at the same time.
At the press briefing, Nazmul Hasan said that preliminary questioning indicated that Hossain had allegedly been producing yaba for around 10 years while maintaining the appearance of running a paint manufacturing business. According to the information provided by the detainee, the premises had been acquired and subsequently used to manufacture yaba secretly, with the finished drugs allegedly distributed to Dhaka and other parts of the country.
RAB said legal proceedings would be initiated against Hossain under the Narcotics Control Act before he is handed over to the relevant police station. Investigators are also continuing efforts to identify and arrest other individuals who may have been involved in the alleged production and distribution network.
The latest operation comes amid growing attention on suspected drug-manufacturing facilities in Keraniganj. On the previous Thursday, RAB-10 reportedly discovered another alleged yaba production facility during an operation in the Arshinagar area of Shakta Union. That raid resulted in the seizure of 1,968 yaba tablets, along with raw materials and production equipment, while four people were arrested in connection with the case.
The two operations in the same area within a short period have highlighted concerns over the alleged use of commercial premises as cover for illicit drug-related activities. Law-enforcement agencies are now examining whether the separate cases are connected and whether wider networks are involved in the manufacture and distribution of yaba.
The seized drugs, raw materials and equipment are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are also seeking further information about the alleged supply chain and the individuals who may have assisted in distributing the drugs beyond Keraniganj.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against those detained will be subject to the due process of law.
