RANGAMATI, Feb 13, (V7N) – Eight people were arrested with locally made cholai liquor and Yaba tablets during a joint operation by the army and police in Balukhali Union under Kotwali Police Station in Rangamati district, police said.

The operation was carried out on Thursday night in front of Killa Pahar Government Primary School following information about a drug gathering on a passenger tourist boat.

The arrested are Kazi Ashraful Azam Dipu (40), Md. Dulal Mia (44), Md. Akter Hossain (40), Md. Kamrul Hasan (40), Joy Marma (35), Noor Mohammad (42), Md. Safayet Hossain (37) and Md. Rustom Ali (40). They are residents of different areas including WAPDA Colony, Officers Colony, Tabalchhari, Dewan Para, Parjatan area, BGB Gate intersection and Sampara Pahar area of Balukhali Union in Rangamati town.

According to police sources, a joint force led by SI (retd) Rajib Hossain conducted the drive after receiving intelligence that drugs were being bought and sold on a tourist boat. Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the suspects allegedly scattered some narcotics into the river and on the boat.

Although the substances thrown into the river could not be recovered, law enforcement seized 600 ml of locally made cholai liquor and five pieces of Yaba tablets from the boat.

Police later prepared a seizure list in the presence of witnesses and confiscated the recovered evidence. During initial interrogation, the detainees reportedly admitted that they used to collect drugs from different parts of the district at low prices and sell them at higher rates in the town and remote areas.

A case (No. 08, dated February 13, 2026) has been filed with Kotwali Police Station under Section 36(1) Table 24(a)/10(a) of the Narcotics Control Act, 2018.

Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Jasim Uddin confirmed the matter, saying illegal drugs such as Yaba and cholai liquor are destroying individuals, families and society, and urged conscious citizens to assist police by providing information to curb drug-related crimes, assuring confidentiality of informants.

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