Alleged drug peddler killed in 'shootout'

An alleged drug peddler was killed in a “gunfight” with Rab in the capital's Mohammadpur early yesterday.

The victim, Rajon, 25, also known as “Ganja Rajon”, stood accused in at least 15 drug-related cases, said Rabiul Islam, operations officer of Rab-2.

With Rajon, at least 205 suspected drug peddlers were killed since the anti-narcotics drive began on May 4. Most of them were killed in so-called shootouts involving police and Rab. 

The Rab official said yesterday's “shootout” happened around 1:15am when a Rab team raided Basila in Mohammadpur on information that some “drug peddlers” were dividing a consignment of drugs among themselves. The drugs were brought there on boats from Amin Bazar area, he said.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the “criminals” opened fire. The Rab men retaliated, triggering the “gunfight”. Rajon was hit by bullets, the others fled, the Rab official added. 

Rajon was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Rab claimed to have recovered a pistol, two bullets and 10kg of cannabis from the spot.