2 ‘drug peddlers’ killed in M’singh ‘gunfights’

Two suspected drug peddlers were killed in separate incidents of 'gunfights' with police in Tarakanda and Trishal upazilas of Mymensingh early today.

The deceased are identified as Ali Hossain, 38, son of Shahed Ali of Tarakanda upazila and Swapan Mia, 32, son of Abdul Kuddus of Trishal upazila.

Additional superintendent (crime) of Mymensingh police SA Newazi said, acting on information that some drug dealers were sharing their money, police conducted a drive around 2:45am in the area on Tarakanda-Phulpur highway near an auto-rice mill.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, they hurled brickbats at the police and opened fire on them which forced police to take action in self-defence, he added.

Police recovered the body of Ali Hossain and 200 pieces of Yaba tablets afterwards.

Ali was wanted in 25 cases including that of drugs.

In another incident, Swapan Mia, who was wanted in eight cases, was killed in a gunfight with police near Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Trishal upazila of the district around 4:00am, said Newazi.

Police also recovered 200 pieces of Yaba tablets, 100 grams of heroin and three bullet shells from the spot.

Both the bodies were taken to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital morgue.

With the latest one, at least 116 people were killed in 'gunfights' with members of law enforcement agencies while 37 bodies of suspected drug traders were recovered after reported gun battles between rival groups during the countrywide anti-narcotic drives since May 15.