Suspected drug peddler killed in gunfight with police in Cox’s Bazar

An alleged drug peddler was killed in a "gunfight" with police in front of Marine Drive Road under Teknaf Sadar Upazila in Cox's Bazar earlier today.

The deceased -- Abul Hashem (32) -- was involved in drug peddling, claimed police.

On information that a yaba consignment will be unloaded at the Fishery-ghat area of Moheshkhalia Para area, a team of police conducted a raid there at around 12:30am, said Pradip Kumar Das, officer-in-charge (OC) of Teknaf Police Station.

After "sensing police presence", the criminals opened fire on the law enforcers, forcing them to retaliate, he claimed.

After the gunfight, police found the bullet riddled body of Abul Kashem at the spot, while his cohorts managed to flee, OC Pradip said.

On duty doctors of Teknaf Upazila Health Complex declared him dead when he was rushed there, he added.

Police also claimed to have recovered 10,000 pieces of yaba pills, a locally made firearm and six rounds of bullets from the spot.

The Daily Star, however, could not independently verify the claims made by police.

His body was sent to Cox's Bazar Zila Sadar Hospital for autopsy, while two cases are underway in connection with the incident, OC Pradip added.