Chattogram:A local court in Chattogram has sentenced Md. Riaz to life imprisonment in connection with a 2013 drug case involving the recovery of 130 bottles of Phensedyl. The verdict was delivered by Judge Nishkriti Hagidak of the Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court-11 on Tuesday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the conviction was based on the testimonies and evidence presented by eight witnesses, which proved the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. In addition to the life sentence, Riaz has been fined Taka 10,000, with an additional one-month simple imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine.
Md. Riaz, 31, is the son of Md. Ruhul Amin from Mehenuddin Howlader house in Chhota Kaichha, under Borhanuddin Police Station in Bhola district. He was not present in court when the verdict was announced, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant.
The case originated from a police operation conducted on March 6, 2013, at around 345 am in the Barishal Colony area, under Doublemooring Police Station. Police arrested Riaz after recovering 130 bottles of Phensedyl from his possession. Consequently, a case was filed at Doublemooring Model Police Station under the Narcotics Control Act, accusing him of illegal possession with intent to sell.
Following an investigation, a charge sheet was submitted, and formal charges were framed against Riaz on September 4, 2013.