Six Detained During Drug Raid in Abandoned School Building

An operation conducted by the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) in the Kalai Upazila of Joypurhat has resulted in the detention of six individuals found consuming illicit substances within the premises of an abandoned secondary school. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, 3 May 2026, has caused significant concern among the local community regarding the misuse of educational facilities for criminal activities.

Details of the Operation and Detentions

Acting on a confidential tip-off, officers from the Joypurhat District Narcotics Control office launched a targeted raid at approximately 5:30 pm. The operation focused on a specific dilapidated room within the Chechuria Dimukhi High School, located in the Udaypur Union of the Upazila. Upon entering the building, which had been disused for an extended period, the authorities apprehended six men in the act of consuming drugs.

The Department of Narcotics Control has formally identified the detainees as follows:

• Laltu Mia (26): Son of Khalil Mia, resident of Purgram.

• Touhid Hossain (28): Son of the late Mina Hossain, resident of Purgram.

• Abdul Aziz (22): Son of Milon Hossain, resident of Jominpur.

• Hasan Mia (22): Son of Shamsul Mia, resident of Laona.

• Shafiqul Islam (25): Son of Montaj Ali, resident of Ganga Daspur.

• Ziaur Rahman (40): Son of Shamsuddin, resident of Jhamutpur.

Following the initial apprehension, the DNC officials confirmed that the suspects were taken into custody for further legal processing.

Institutional Decline and Local Grievances

The facility in question, Chechuria Dimukhi High School, has a troubled history that local residents claim contributed directly to its current state of neglect. Although established approximately 15 years ago, the institution failed to secure a place under the government’s Monthly Pay Order (MPO) scheme due to a consistent lack of sufficient student enrolment.

Without state funding or an active academic body, the school buildings were eventually abandoned. Local inhabitants have long alleged that this vacuum of authority allowed the site to transform into a sanctuary for anti-social activities. According to community members, the abandoned structure had become a “safe zone” for drug users and other illicit gatherings over the last decade and a half.

Belal Hossain, a member of the local Union Parishad, addressed the situation following the raid. He noted that because the school lacked both teachers and students, the premises remained entirely unmonitored. He stated that the influx of drug users, particularly after dusk, had created a persistent sense of fear and insecurity among the villagers. He further emphasised that the lack of public intervention over the years was largely due to residents being intimidated by the groups frequenting the site.

Legal Proceedings and Future Measures

In the aftermath of the raid, Sirajul Islam, a Sub-Inspector of the Joypurhat District Narcotics Control Department, confirmed that a formal case has been registered against the six individuals under the Narcotics Control Act. The authorities are currently finalising the necessary documentation to produce the detainees before the court for judicial proceedings.

The successful raid has prompted calls from the Udaypur Union representatives for increased surveillance of abandoned properties within the Upazila. Local leaders have urged the administration to either repurpose such derelict educational structures or ensure they are secured to prevent further criminal exploitation. The DNC has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a policy of zero tolerance regarding drug-related offences in Joypurhat, promising continued vigilance and further operations based on intelligence-led reports.