Smuggler Caught with 150,000 Yaba Tablets in Ukhiya Border Raid

A major drug seizure was carried out in Ukhiya, Cox’s Bazar, when Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel arrested a smuggler in possession of 150,000 yaba tablets. The arrested individual, Mohammad Sadek Hossain, 20, is reportedly a resident of the Hakimpura Rohingya camp.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Jasim Uddin (PSC), Commander of the Ukhiya Battalion, stated that the operation was conducted following a tip-off. On Thursday night, the BGB patrol team established a position near the Balukhali border area. At approximately 10:30 PM, the team observed three individuals crossing into Bangladesh from Myanmar and challenged them.

As the suspects attempted to evade capture, they abandoned a netted bag. One individual was apprehended on the spot, and inspection of the bag revealed a blue airtight package containing 150,000 yaba tablets.

During questioning, Sadek disclosed that he had been trafficking the drugs on behalf of Abdur Rahim, 32, from the Rahmat Bill area. He stated that he was being paid 9,000 taka for the delivery.

Lieutenant Colonel Jasim Uddin emphasised that the BGB has intensified surveillance along the border to curb the operations of drug trafficking networks. He added that the seized yaba tablets and the arrested suspect will be handed over to Ukhiya police for further legal proceedings.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in tackling cross-border drug smuggling, particularly in the Cox’s Bazar region, which borders Myanmar. The seizure of such a large quantity of yaba tablets underscores the scale of illicit drug networks operating in the area.

A summary of the key details is provided below:

Authorities have warned that border vigilance will continue to be strengthened to prevent similar drug trafficking attempts in the future.