A schoolteacher and his wife, who also works as a teacher, have been arrested with 2,000 yaba tablets in Rajshahi city, the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) said.

The couple were detained during an anti-narcotics operation near the Hi-Tech Park in the Hargram area under Kashiadanga Police Station at around 11pm on Wednesday, October 14.

A motorcycle and a mobile phone were also seized during the operation, according to reports by local media.

The male detainee, Mohammad Al Amin Ali, 43, is an assistant teacher in the social science department of Rajshahi Government Model School and College. His 38-year-old wife reportedly teaches at a primary school.

DNC Deputy Director Mehedi Hasan said the operation was conducted based on intelligence that a large consignment of yaba tablets was being transported through the city.

Officers increased surveillance and set up checkpoints at several locations.

At one point, a motorcyclist allegedly ignored a signal to stop and attempted to flee.

DNC officials chased and detained him, subsequently recovering 2,000 yaba tablets from the motorcycle, the official said.

The couple were later sent to jail through the court after a case was filed against them under the Narcotics Control Act.

Rajshahi Government Model School and College Principal Shamsul Haque expressed surprise over the arrest of the institution’s assistant teacher.

He said he had learned about the allegations for the first time and described the incident as distressing for the institution and society.

The allegations are subject to the ongoing legal process.