‘Drug smuggler’ killed in Brahmanbaria ‘gunfight’

An alleged drug smuggler was killed in a reported gunfight between his cohorts and police at Konabari in Kosba upazila of Brahmanbaria early today.

Deceased Rahis Miah, 48, was son of late Sawdagor Ali Fakir of Pathariatek village in Akhaura upazila.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of police conducted a drive at Konabari when a gang of drug smugglers, including Rahis, was staying there around 1:30am, said Mohiuddin Ahammed, officer-in-charge of Kosba Police Station.

Sensing presence of the law enforcers, the alleged criminals opened fire on the law enforcers, prompting them to retaliate that triggered a “gunfight” between them.

At one stage, Rahis was caught in the line of fire and died on the spot while his associates managed to flee the scene.

Five policemen, including a sub-inspector, were also injured during the “gunfight”, OC Mohiuddin said.

The law enforcers recovered one firearm, four cartridges, 100 bottles of liquor, 15 kilogrammes of hemp and 300 yaba tablets from the spot.