A total of 22,120 yaba tablets have been seized during a special anti-drug operation in the Narullahpur area of Chandpur Sadar, with an estimated market value of around Tk 12 million. The suspected ringleader of the operation, however, managed to flee when the authorities launched the raid.
According to information provided by the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC), a man identified as Farhan Rana, from the Koylaghat area of Chandpur municipality, had allegedly been involved in running a drug-trafficking network for an extended period. Investigators said he sourced yaba from different areas of Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram before bringing the consignments to Chandpur.
The drugs were then allegedly distributed across different parts of the district through a network of associates, including his driver, Nur Hossain. The authorities are now seeking to establish the wider structure of the alleged network and identify others involved in the distribution chain.
Acting on confidential information, a DNC team conducted a raid at a rented residence in the Narullahpur area on Tuesday morning. The house, owned by Abul Hashem, was reportedly being rented by Farhan Rana.
During the search, the enforcement team discovered yaba tablets concealed inside a bed and a motorcycle in the room where Rana was staying. A total of 22,120 tablets were recovered, along with the motorcycle allegedly used in connection with the drug trade.
The seizure represents a significant quantity of illicit narcotics. The DNC estimated the market value of the recovered yaba at approximately Tk 12 million, underscoring the scale of the alleged operation.
Rana reportedly realised that an enforcement operation was under way and managed to escape before he could be detained. As a result, the suspected ringleader was not arrested at the scene.
DNC Assistant Director Md Mizanur Rahman said efforts were continuing to arrest Rana and identify and apprehend other people allegedly linked to the network. He also said legal proceedings were being initiated under the Narcotics Control Act in connection with the seizure.
The case has also drawn attention to the movement of yaba from major supply areas into other parts of the country. Authorities suspect that established distribution networks are used to transport and circulate such drugs through different stages before they reach local markets. The investigation into the Chandpur seizure is expected to focus on the source of the consignment, its intended destinations and the people allegedly involved in transporting and distributing it.
The DNC said its efforts to locate the fugitive suspect and pursue others connected with the alleged drug network remain ongoing.
