Three-Month Jail for Cannabis Possession in Jessore

A mobile court in the Abhaynagar area of Jessore district has sentenced a young man to three months’ imprisonment without hard labour and imposed a monetary fine after he was found guilty of consuming and storing cannabis. The ruling was delivered late on Saturday night during a special enforcement drive aimed at curbing the use of illegal narcotics in the locality.

The convicted individual, identified as 32-year-old Raju Mallik, is a resident of Chollishia village under Chollishia Union in Abhaynagar. He is the son of Hasan Mallik. Local administrative authorities stated that the punishment was issued under the Narcotics Control Act of 2018 after evidence of cannabis consumption and possession was established during the operation.

The mobile court was led by Sheikh Salauddin Dipu, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate of Abhaynagar. According to officials involved in the operation, the raid was conducted at approximately midnight following information regarding suspected narcotics activity in the area.

Subrata Kumar Roy, the court’s Nazir, explained that law enforcement personnel and administrative officials jointly carried out the late-night operation in Chollishia village. During the raid, Raju Mallik was detained on suspicion of drug-related activity. After his arrest, officials confirmed that he had been consuming cannabis and had also stored the substance, both of which constitute offences under the country’s narcotics legislation.

Following a brief on-site judicial proceeding conducted by the mobile court, the magistrate ordered a three-month custodial sentence and imposed a fine of 500 taka. Authorities indicated that such summary trials conducted by mobile courts are part of ongoing efforts to discourage illegal drug use and maintain public order.

Speaking to local media, Executive Magistrate Sheikh Salauddin Dipu stated that the punishment had been issued in accordance with Section 36(1), serial number 21, of the Narcotics Control Act 2018. The provision addresses offences related to the consumption and possession of prohibited narcotic substances, including cannabis.

Officials noted that the government has intensified anti-narcotics campaigns across various districts in recent years. Mobile courts are frequently deployed as part of these initiatives to conduct immediate hearings in cases involving minor drug offences, enabling swift legal action against offenders.

Local administrators emphasised that drug abuse remains a significant concern in many communities, particularly among young people. The spread of narcotics not only undermines public health but also contributes to social instability, family disruption, and criminal activity. Authorities therefore continue to combine enforcement measures with public awareness campaigns in an effort to discourage substance abuse.

Residents of Chollishia village reportedly welcomed the operation, expressing hope that such enforcement drives would deter others from engaging in illegal drug use. Community leaders have repeatedly called for stricter monitoring and cooperation between local residents and law enforcement agencies to prevent the spread of narcotics.

Officials in Abhaynagar have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related crimes. They indicated that similar drives will continue throughout the upazila and neighbouring areas in order to ensure a safer environment for local communities.

Below is a summary of the key details of the incident:

Authorities have reiterated that strict enforcement and community awareness remain essential components of the broader strategy to combat narcotics offences and protect public welfare.