Dhaka, 29 December – Authorities at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport have apprehended a passenger found carrying a substantial quantity of yaba tablets, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking through the country’s main air hub.
The arrested individual, Md. Nabi Hossain, 45, a resident of Teknaf Upazila in Cox’s Bazar district, was detained by the Airport Armed Police Battalion (APBN) after attempting to transport the drugs internally via the rectal route.
According to APBN officials, the arrest occurred around midday on Sunday, following intelligence reports. Nabi Hossain had arrived on Novoair domestic flight VQ922 from Cox’s Bazar to Dhaka. Law enforcement officers intercepted him near the car park outside the domestic terminal.
During initial questioning at the APBN office, Hossain admitted to concealing the drugs in his rectum. Subsequent examination by airport medical personnel using X-ray technology revealed three egg-shaped objects internally.
Hossain was then transferred to Kurmitola General Hospital in Dhaka, where under strict medical supervision, the objects were naturally expelled. Upon inspection, the three packages were found to contain a total of 969 yaba tablets.
A preliminary investigation revealed that Hossain has been involved in drug trafficking and distribution for an extended period. The Dhaka Metropolitan Police Airport Thana is in the process of filing charges against him under the Narcotics Control Act.
The details of the seizure are summarised in the table below:
| Date | Location | Flight No. | Passenger Name | Age | Origin | Quantity Seized | Method of Concealment | Hospital Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Dec 2025 | Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport | VQ922 | Md. Nabi Hossain | 45 | Cox’s Bazar, Teknaf | 969 tablets | Rectal insertion | Kurmitola General Hospital |
Police Response
Superintendent of Police and APBN Operational Commander, Mohammad Mozammel Haque, stated,
“We remain vigilant against all forms of illicit activity at the airport, including drug trafficking. Regular operations are conducted to prevent and suppress crimes occurring within the premises of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.”
The arrest underscores continued challenges in combating narcotics smuggling through air transport and the determination of Bangladeshi authorities to safeguard national borders and public safety.
