Ghazipur, Bangladesh – 23 January 2026: In a major law enforcement operation, joint forces have apprehended 35 individuals from two slum areas in Tongi, Ghazipur, seizing a substantial cache of drugs, locally made firearms, and three hand grenades.
The coordinated operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday, 23 January, targeting Ershad Nagar and Haji Mazar slums. Teams from the joint task force conducted simultaneous raids, aiming to curb criminal activities and prevent disorder ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary elections.
At a press briefing held at Haji Mazar slum at 8:30 a.m., Executive Magistrate Abu Bakkar Siddique of Ghazipur district confirmed the arrests and detailed the haul.
“To maintain public order and ensure a peaceful election, our teams conducted targeted operations in the two high-risk slum areas of Tongi. The raids were highly successful, with significant narcotics, weapons, and explosives recovered,” said Executive Magistrate Siddique.
According to official sources, the seized items included heroin, yaba pills, locally made firearms, and hand grenades. The operation resulted in the detention of 35 suspects, who have since been handed over to the Tongi East and West Police Stations. They are scheduled to be presented in court following the filing of formal charges later today.
Summary of Seizures and Arrests:
| Item Seized | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Heroin | 500 grams | Street-level and bulk quantities |
| Yaba pills | 347 tablets | Methamphetamine tablets |
| Locally made firearms | 2 | Unlicensed |
| Hand grenades | 3 | Improvised explosive devices |
| Individuals arrested | 35 | Both male and female suspects |
The magistrate emphasised that these operations form part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal drug trade and arms smuggling in the region. “Such initiatives are essential for ensuring voter safety and upholding law and order during the election period,” he added.
Following the operation, security forces reinforced patrolling in the area to prevent any retaliatory activities and maintain public safety. The arrests mark a significant step in Ghazipur’s efforts to curb the spread of narcotics and criminal arms before national elections.