Matlab Uttar police detained 12 people in a special anti-drug operation across several locations in Chandpur’s Matlab Uttar upazila, according to a report published on August 17. The operation was conducted on Sunday, police said. Four of those detained were identified as alleged drug traders and eight as people involved in drug use.

The detainees were later handed over to court. A mobile court, led by an executive magistrate, sentenced seven of the eight alleged drug users to varying prison terms. The four alleged drug traders were named as Md Saddam Pradhania, Abdul Mannan Sarkar, Golam Rabbi and Shah Alam.

Matlab Uttar police station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Kamrul Hasan said drugs are a dangerous threat to society and young people, and that no one involved in dealing or using drugs would remain outside the law. Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Mahmuda Kulsum Moni said drug abuse threatens individuals, families, society and future generations, calling for collective action by authorities, law enforcement, parents, teachers, public representatives and aware citizens.