A fugitive accused, Md. Sohel, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Fifth Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Md. Tajul Islam, for his involvement in a Yaba tablets smuggling case at Patenga Police Station in Chattogram. Additionally, Sohel has been fined Taka 50,000, with an additional six-month jail term in default of payment.
Md. Sohel, 37, son of Md. Shafi of Dhurung area under Fatikchhari upazila, was not present in court during the verdict, leading the court to issue an arrest warrant against him. The sentence was based on evidence presented by five witnesses, which substantiated the charges under the Narcotics Control Act.
The case dates back to June 1, 2019, when Sohel was subjected to a search at the APBN check post near the VVIP entry gate of Shah Amanat International Airport due to his suspicious behavior. Authorities recovered a total of 5,005 pieces of Yaba tablets from his school bag, shoes, and socks.
Sub-Inspector (SI) Md. Abul Kalam filed a case at Patenga Model Police Station following the recovery. After a thorough investigation, a charge-sheet was presented to the court, leading to the recent verdict.
The court's bench assistant, S M Kawsar Sagar, confirmed that the evidence provided by the witnesses was crucial in securing the life imprisonment sentence for Sohel. The stringent sentence reflects the court's commitment to combating drug smuggling and ensuring justice.
