A locomotive driver has been sent to jail after a case was filed against him under the Narcotics Control Act over the recovery of 16 kilograms of cannabis concealed inside the engine of a freight train at Akhaura Railway Junction in Brahmanbaria.

The accused, Md. Shahjahan Mia, the locomotive master of a Dhaka-bound container train, was produced before a court on Friday (June 26). Following the hearing, the court ordered his detention in jail.

Confirming the development, Akhaura Railway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Quddus said that RAB-9 filed the case under the Narcotics Control Act (Case No. 09, dated June 26, 2026). After completing the required legal procedures, the accused was handed over to the court at around 2:00 pm, which subsequently ordered his imprisonment.

The arrest followed a two-hour operation conducted by RAB-9, CPC-1 (Brahmanbaria) at Akhaura Railway Junction on Thursday night (June 25). Acting on confidential intelligence, the elite force searched the engine of the Chattogram-to-Dhaka 603 Up container freight train after it arrived at the station.

During the search, RAB recovered 16 kilograms of cannabis packed in eight separate bundles along with one bottle of Indian Eskuf cough syrup, all hidden inside a sack concealed within the locomotive.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Nurunnabi, Company Commander of RAB-9 CPC-1, the locomotive driver initially attempted to obstruct the search after being informed of the operation. Additional personnel were then deployed to conduct a thorough inspection, leading to the recovery of the narcotics. While the assistant locomotive driver managed to flee the scene, Shahjahan Mia was arrested on the spot.

RAB officials said the detained driver provided important information during preliminary interrogation regarding the alleged smuggling operation.

Investigators are continuing efforts to identify other individuals and the wider trafficking network believed to be involved.

Officials present during the operation included Akhaura Railway Police Station OC Abdul Quddus, Railway Nirapatta Bahini (RNB) OC Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Station Master Nurunnabi, and other railway officials.

The incident has sparked widespread concern, as it involves a railway employee entrusted with operating one of the country's key transport services. Law enforcement agencies expressed confidence that the ongoing investigation would uncover the entire drug trafficking syndicate and bring all those responsible to justice.