The Detective Branch (DB) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested seven individuals and seized three foreign firearms, ammunition, and a large quantity of narcotics in separate operations across the capital.
The seized items include two foreign guns, one foreign LG, 15 rounds of lead ball cartridges, 1,750 bottles of Indian Eskuf syrup, and 2,000 Yaba tablets. Several vehicles used for transporting contraband were also impounded.
DB Additional Commissioner Shafiqul Islam provided these details during a press briefing at the DMP Media Centre on Monday afternoon.
According to DB, a team from the DB Mirpur Division set up a special checkpost near Gabtoli Bridge in Darus Salam area around 6:30am on Monday.
Two private cars carrying weapons and drugs attempted to enter the city; one driver ignored police signals and crashed through a barricade in an attempt to flee.
Following a chase, police arrested Md Joynal, 42. Based on his information, a search of the vehicles yielded two foreign guns, one foreign LG, 15 rounds of lead ball cartridges, and 100 bottles of Indian Eskuf syrup. An additional 450 bottles of syrup were found in the second car. Both private cars were seized.
At approximately 11:15am the same day, the DB Wari Division’s Demra Zonal Team conducted a raid in front of Azampur BDR Bazar and Samabay Market under the Uttara East Police Station.
They arrested Samiul Haque, 43, Nur Islam Suruj, 44, and Md Hafizur Rahman alias Lalmia, 45, with 1,200 bottles of Indian Eskuf syrup. A pickup and a private car used for transport were also seized.
On Sunday night at approximately 11pm, the DB Uttara Division’s Airport Zonal Team raided the Kafrul area, arresting Sohan Chowdhury, 30, Md Rabiul Islam Munna, 24, and Md Kashem, 35, with 2,000 Yaba tablets. An X-Noah model vehicle was impounded during the operation.
Preliminary investigations revealed that an organised syndicate has been smuggling Indian Eskuf syrup into the capital through the Chapainawabganj border for distribution to various dealers. To evade law enforcement, the group reportedly used armed escort vehicles.
Regarding the Yaba seizure, the DB chief said the suspects confessed to bringing the drugs from Cox’s Bazar disguised as various parcels. DB further noted that Sohan Chowdhury faces multiple existing cases under the Narcotics Control Act at Kafrul and Khilkhet police stations.
Processes are underway to file separate cases under the Arms Act and the Narcotics Control Act at Darus Salam and Kafrul police stations. Operations continue to arrest fugitives and identify other members of the syndicate.
The briefing was attended by senior officials, including Acting DC of DB Mirpur Rakib Khan and Acting DC of Wari Division Molla Mohammad Shahin.
