A professional drug trafficker has been arrested in Savar, on the outskirts of Dhaka, following a targeted intelligence-led operation conducted by the Dhaka District (North) Detective Branch (DB). Law enforcement officials recovered a substantial quantity of illegal methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as Yaba, during the raid.

According to a press release issued on Wednesday (1 April), the operation was carried out under the directives of the Superintendent of Police of Dhaka District, with coordination led by senior DB officers. Acting on confidential information, a special team conducted surveillance in the Bank Colony area of Savar Municipal Town, where the suspect was apprehended without incident.

The arrested individual has been identified as Md. Saiful Islam (45), son of the late Syed Wajuddin from Shaldha village under Naria Police Station in Shariatpur district. Police confirmed that he has long been involved in drug distribution networks operating across multiple districts.

During the arrest, officers recovered approximately 2,400 Yaba tablets from his possession. The estimated street value of the seized narcotics is around BDT 720,000. Preliminary interrogation suggests that the suspect had been purchasing Yaba in bulk from the Teknaf region of Cox’s Bazar—an area frequently identified as a major entry point for smuggled narcotics—and distributing it across Savar and other parts of the country for profit.

Officials stated that the arrest forms part of an ongoing crackdown on organised drug networks operating in and around the Dhaka metropolitan region. Authorities also confirmed that the accused has a prior criminal record involving narcotics-related offences.

A senior DB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated field operations are being intensified to dismantle drug supply chains. He added that legal proceedings have already been initiated, and the accused has been handed over to Savar Police Station for further action under the Narcotics Control Act.

The arrest has been described by law enforcement as a significant step in curbing the circulation of Yaba, which continues to pose serious social and public health challenges across Bangladesh.

Arrest Summary