Buried Yaba Haul Unearthed in Teknaf

A substantial consignment of methamphetamine tablets, locally known as yaba, has been recovered from beneath the ground during a targeted anti-narcotics operation in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, underscoring the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in Bangladesh’s border regions. The operation, carried out by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), resulted in the seizure of 100,000 yaba tablets and the arrest of a young man suspected of long-standing involvement in the illicit drug trade.

According to RAB sources, the operation was launched on Wednesday afternoon following specific intelligence inputs. Acting on this information, a special team from RAB-15 conducted a raid in the Noakhali Para area of Baharchhara Union, which falls under the jurisdiction of Teknaf Model Police Station. The location, situated alongside the Teknaf–Cox’s Bazar Marine Drive, drew suspicion when officers noticed unusual activity around a betel leaf plantation.

During the operation, officers detained 23-year-old Mohammad Hakim, a resident of Noakhali Para and the son of Nurul Islam. Upon preliminary interrogation, Hakim reportedly admitted that a large quantity of yaba had been buried underground at the site. Guided by his disclosure, RAB personnel excavated the area and recovered ten white polythene-wrapped packages concealed beneath the soil.

Assistant Director of RAB-15, A. M. Faruk, stated that each of the ten packages contained 50 airtight zipper bags, with each zipper bag holding 200 yaba tablets. The total haul therefore amounted to 100,000 tablets. In addition to the narcotics, an Android smartphone believed to have been used in coordinating drug transactions was also seized from the suspect.

Law enforcement officials reiterated that Teknaf has long been identified as a high-risk zone for narcotics trafficking. Its proximity to the international border, coupled with rugged terrain and access to maritime routes, has made it an attractive corridor for organised smuggling networks attempting to move yaba and other illicit substances into the country. Authorities believe that concealing drugs underground is a tactic increasingly used to evade detection during routine patrols.

RAB officials emphasised that such operations are intended to send a clear and uncompromising message to drug traffickers. Intelligence-led raids and sustained surveillance, they noted, remain central to the force’s strategy against both narcotics and organised crime. A case under the Narcotics Control Act is currently being prepared against the arrested individual, while investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network believed to be involved.

The Rapid Action Battalion has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining intensified vigilance in border areas and continuing coordinated efforts to curb drug trafficking, stressing that no leniency will be shown to those engaged in activities that threaten public safety and social stability.

Operation at a Glance

Authorities have stated that similar operations will be further intensified as part of a broader drive to build a drug-free society and dismantle trafficking networks operating along the border.