An angry crowd in Nishchintapur Mahirakhain village, Ward 9 of Jiri Union in Patiya upazila, Chattogram, set fire to an alleged drug den and handed a suspected dealer to police around midnight on Thursday. Patiya police arrived after being informed and detained Md. Eskandar, also known as Esk, taking him to the police station.

Local residents and police sources said the operation had allegedly been running for a long time from a dilapidated room under the leadership of Mahmudul Haque. Residents had grown angry over the alleged drug trade and surrounded the site. Haque escaped, while Eskandar was detained. The report said 10 yaba pills were recovered from him and more yaba pills were found at the location.

Local BNP leader Forkan and Chhatra Dal leader Latif said political activists from different parties and residents had united because drug dealing had increased in the area. Resident Md. Halim said warnings had failed to stop the activity. Patiya police sub-inspector Kamal Hossain said legal action was being taken against Eskandar and he would be sent to jail through a court. Residents demanded Haque's prompt arrest.