Mongla, Jan 19 (V7N) — The Bangladesh Navy has arrested three alleged drug dealers along with a large quantity of narcotics during a raid on a suspected drug den in Mongla.

Lieutenant Md Iqbal Hossain of the Mongla Navy Contingent said the operation was conducted around 9:00 am on Sunday based on confidential intelligence. A 20-member Navy team, led by him, carried out the raid at a drug den located on Madrasah Road in the municipal area.

Sensing the presence of law enforcement, several drug users managed to flee the scene. During subsequent searches of different rooms inside the premises, Navy personnel recovered a significant quantity of yaba tablets, cannabis, and various drug-use paraphernalia. Three suspected drug dealers were arrested red-handed during the operation.

The Navy also recovered bottles of foreign liquor and a large cache of sharp weapons and assorted equipment reportedly used in theft and robbery.

The arrested individuals were identified as Md Sajal Hossain Sujan, 28, Md Nazrul Islam, 48, and Md Raihan, 26, all residents of Madrasah Road in Mongla municipal town.

The discovery of a drug den operating for an extended period just 40 to 50 feet from a Navy Police outpost on Madrasah Road has raised serious questions among local residents regarding oversight and enforcement.

Navy officials said the detained suspects, along with the seized drugs and equipment, are in the process of being handed over to the local police station for further legal action.

Lieutenant Iqbal Hossain stated that the Navy will remain vigilant in preventing terrorism, drug trafficking, and all forms of illegal activities, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming national parliamentary elections.

END/AHS/SMA/