Narcotics control officials have arrested a woman in Bhairab, Kishoreganj, after recovering a large consignment of yaba tablets concealed in an unusual manner during a routine highway operation. The arrest was made on Sunday, 7 December, as part of an anti-narcotics drive conducted near Natai Mor, to the west of the Syed Nazrul Islam Bridge, an area known for heavy vehicular movement.
According to officials, members of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) had set up a checkpoint near the toll plaza on the Dhaka–Sylhet highway. During the operation, they stopped a Laguna vehicle for inspection after noticing what they described as “suspicious behaviour” among its passengers. One woman in particular drew the attention of the officers, prompting a more thorough search in line with established procedures.
Upon inspection, officers discovered two packets containing a total of 2,000 yaba tablets hidden inside the woman’s hair bun. The recovery surprised even experienced officials, who noted that traffickers are increasingly resorting to unconventional concealment methods to evade detection.
The woman was later identified as Sharifa, a resident of the Shibnagar area in Akhaura upazila of Brahmanbaria district. She was taken into custody immediately following the seizure, and the recovered tablets were confiscated as evidence.
An official involved in the operation said that the arrest highlights both the persistence of drug trafficking networks and the evolving tactics used to transport illegal substances across districts. “Smugglers are constantly changing their methods. This is why routine checks and careful observation are crucial,” the official said, requesting anonymity as he was not authorised to speak to the media.
Following the arrest, a case was filed against Sharifa under the Narcotics Control Act. She is expected to be produced before a court, where investigators will seek further remand to determine the source of the drugs and any links to larger trafficking networks. Authorities have indicated that they are examining whether she was acting alone or as part of an organised group involved in transporting yaba along major highway routes.
Key Details of the Arrest
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of arrest | 7 December |
| Location | Natai Mor, west of Syed Nazrul Islam Bridge, Bhairab |
| Substance seized | Yaba tablets |
| Quantity | 2,000 pills |
| Accused | Sharifa |
| Home district | Brahmanbaria |
| Legal action | Case filed under Narcotics Control Act |
Officials say the Dhaka–Sylhet highway remains a critical route for narcotics movement due to its connectivity and traffic volume. As a result, law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance and random searches in recent months.
The Department of Narcotics Control has reiterated its commitment to curbing the spread of illegal drugs and has urged the public to cooperate by sharing information related to drug trafficking. “Community awareness and timely information can play a vital role in preventing these crimes,” a senior DNC official said.
The investigation into the case is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as authorities continue their inquiries.