Drug smuggler killed in Joypurhat 'gunfight'

An alleged drug smuggler was killed in a 'gunfight' between his cohorts and law enforcers in Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat district early yesterday.

The deceased, Tariqul Islam, 40, son of Ayaz Uddin, was a resident of Chawkshimulia village in the upazila.

Receiving information that a gang of smugglers returned from India with phensidyl syrup and was staying at bordering Ratanpur village, a joint team of police and BGB raided the village at around 4:00am.

Sensing the presence of the law enforcers, the smugglers swooped on them with lethal weapons and bamboo sticks, leaving a policeman and two BGB members injured, said officer-in-charge Ashraful Islam of Panchbibi Police Station.

In retaliation, the law enforcers fired several gunshots, leaving Tariqul dead. The rest of the smugglers managed to flee, the OC said, adding that law enforcers seized 212 bottles of phensidyl, 10 machetes, bamboo sticks and iron rods from the spot.

Police said Tariqul was an accused in at least 11 cases filed with Panchbibi Police Station under Narcotics Control Act.

Injured constable Antim Chandra and BGB members Mukul Mondol and Mohammad Salahuddin were admitted to Panchbibi Upazila Health Complex.