Police in Pabna have arrested a former police officer with 800 yaba tablets during an operation in the Aminpur area, with investigators alleging that he had been involved in the illegal drug trade for an extended period.
The accused, Sohel Rana, was arrested at around 9 am on Tuesday, 20 October, near the Kazirhat speedboat terminal in Aminpur police station’s jurisdiction. Police said the operation was carried out following a tip-off from a confidential source.
According to police sources, a team led by Sub-Inspector Mizan of Aminpur Police Station took up positions in the Kazirhat terminal area after receiving the information. Officers subsequently conducted a search and arrested Rana, recovering 800 yaba tablets from his possession.
Rana is the son of Abu Bakkar and a resident of Trimohoni village in Aminpur, Pabna. Police said he had previously served in the police force but was dismissed after testing positive in a drug test while in service.
The circumstances surrounding his dismissal and the period during which he allegedly became involved in drug trafficking have not been disclosed in detail.
Aminpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Humayun Kabir said that, during preliminary questioning, Rana admitted to being involved in the drug trade for a long time. According to the officer, the arrested man also provided the names and addresses of several alleged drug dealers operating in the area.
Police are now examining the information provided by Rana to establish whether other individuals are involved in the alleged network. The information is being verified, and further operations are under way to identify and apprehend other suspected participants, the OC said.
He added that the police would not spare anyone found to be involved in drug trafficking, regardless of their identity or professional background, and that those responsible would face legal action.
The recovery of the tablets and Rana’s alleged admission are expected to form part of the investigation. However, the information provided so far does not establish the extent of the suspected network or confirm the involvement of the other individuals named during questioning.
Yaba is an illicit drug that commonly contains methamphetamine, a powerful stimulant, sometimes combined with caffeine. Its illegal distribution and use pose significant public health and law-enforcement challenges. Police operations targeting suspected trafficking networks often involve examining seized substances, verifying information obtained during questioning and identifying other individuals who may be connected to the trade.
Further details about the legal proceedings against Rana, including whether a case has been formally filed and what charges he may face, were not immediately available.
The allegations against Rana remain subject to the legal process, and any determination of guilt must be made by the competent court.
