Rajshahi:Police have arrested two alleged drug dealers and seized 3,700 Tapentadol tablets, 1.3 kg of marijuana, and Tk 11.64 lakh in cash during separate raids in Rajshahi.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the arrestees are Abul Kalam Azad, 44, and Manik Islam, 44, as stated by a press release issued by the media wing of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) on Thursday.
Katakhali Police Station conducted the operations with assistance from the metropolitan police's special anti-narcotics team. Police arrested Azad in Emadpur village around 1045 pm on Wednesday and recovered 1.3 kg of marijuana and Tk 3,220 allegedly earned from drug sales from his possession.
Based on information obtained from Azad during interrogation, police raided Manik's residence in the same village around 125 am on Thursday. During a search, they recovered 3,700 Tapentadol tablets hidden in a bag inside a specially constructed concealed storage space beneath the tiled floor of a warehouse made from drums. Police also seized Tk 11.64 lakh allegedly earned from drug sales and a mobile phone.
Preliminary police information suggests that Manik has long been involved in drug trafficking and has several cases against him under the Narcotics Control Act and other laws. The cases include one at Shibganj Police Station in Chapainawabganj, one at Bagha Police Station in Rajshahi, one at Boalia Police Station, and several drug-related cases at Motihar Police Station. He also faces cases under the Penal Code and Arms Act at Katakhali and Motihar police stations, the release said.
Two separate cases have been filed against the arrestees under the Narcotics Control Act at Katakhali Police Station, and further legal proceedings are underway.