A court here yesterday awarded a youth rigorous imprisonment for five years in a drug trading case in the district.

The convict is Imam Hossain Hawlader, 20, of the town.

Patuakhali Special Sessions Judge's Court Judge Md Shahidullah delivered the judgment in absence of the accused as he has been absconding after getting bail from the court in March. The court acquitted Rasel, another accused in the case.

Public Prosecutor Advocate Ariful Haque Tito said men of the district Detective Branch (DB) of police led by Horidas Nag arrested Imam with 100 Yaba tablets from Mukti Clinic area in the town on January 2 this year, while his associate Rasel managed to flee.

Horidas Nag filed a case with Patuakhali Police Station the same day, accusing Iman and Rasel.

Police submitted the charge sheet to the court against the two accused in April.