An alleged drug trader was killed in a “gunfight” with Rab in Lohajang upazila of Munshiganj early yesterday.

The dead is Makbul Hossain, 36, of Uttar Medenimondal area of the upazila.

With Makbul, at least 213 alleged drug peddlers have been killed in “shootouts” since the nationwide anti-narcotics drive began on May 4.  Most of the incidents involved Rab and police.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mahitul Islam of Rab-11 said acting on a tip-off, one of their teams carried out a raid in Purbakumarbhog area around 4:00am.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, a group of drug peddlers opened fire on them. The Rab members retaliated by firing back, triggering a “gunfight”, Mahitul claimed.

After the “gunfight”, the Rab team found Makbul's body on the scene, he claimed, adding that two Rab men were also injured.

  The Rab team also claimed to have recovered a pistol, two bullets, a magazine, 500 yaba tablets, and two mobile phones from the spot.

Makbul was an accused in at least 12 cases, said Assistant Sub-inspector Harun of Lohajang Police Station.