Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Apr 20, 2026 (BSS) - Police recovered 14,500 yaba pills concealed inside a gas cylinder of a pickup truck in the Karnaphuli area of the city early today.

The driver of the pickup, Md Shawkat Ali, 37, was arrested in connection with the incident.

Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Metropolitan Detective Branch (West) Md Mahbub Alam Khan confirmed the matter, saying the arrest was made during a raid conducted around 7:00 am near Yunus Market in the Shikalbaha area under Karnaphuli Police Station.

Acting on a tip-off that a consignment of yaba pills was being transported to Chattogram from Cox's Bazar, police intercepted a pickup truck and conducted a search.

During the search, law enforcers found the yaba pills hidden inside an empty gas cylinder in the vehicle.

According to officials of the Metropolitan Detective Branch, the arrested driver admitted to carrying the drugs in the cylinder, leading to the recovery.

The pickup truck used for transporting the drugs and the gas cylinder were seized.

A case has been filed under the Narcotics Control Act with Karnaphuli Police Station in this connection. 

Police said efforts are underway to identify and arrest other members of the gang involved.