Alleged drug trafficker injured in reported gunfight with Coast Guard in Teknaf; 3 detained
Coast Guard claimed to have seized 30,000 yaba pills, a foreign pistol, and four rounds of live ammunition from the scene
One alleged drug trafficker was injured in a reported gunfight with the Coast Guard in Teknaf of Cox's Bazar today (19 May), the maritime law enforcement force said.
The Coast Guard also said it detained two other alleged drug traffickers.
They also claimed to have seized 30,000 yaba pills, a foreign pistol, and four rounds of live ammunition from the scene.
The detainees are: residents of Ukhia Kutupalong Rohingya camp, Md Ilias, 30; Nur Mohammad, 61; and the bullet-injured Abdul Shukkur, 40, according to Coast Guard Media Officer Lt Commander Harun-or-Rashid.
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Shukkur is being treated at Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital.
The incident took place in the areas adjacent to Tulatuli and Marine Drive in Teknaf Sadar Union around 4:30am today, said Harun.
He claimed a special team of Shahparir Dwip Coast Guard launched an operation based on a tip-off that a large consignment of drugs from Myanmar would enter Teknaf through the coastal area by sea.
He also said during the operation, the team spotted an engine-powered wooden boat on the sea in the early hours despite an ongoing 58-day fishing ban.
When the boat was signalled to stop, the alleged smugglers, sensing the presence of the Coast Guard, tried to escape by opening fire at the law enforcers, claimed the Coast Guard official.
At this time, the Coast Guard members returned fire in self-defence, and Shukkur was shot.
The Coast Guard members chased the boat for an hour and were able to seize it, added Harun.
During the operation, four drug smugglers jumped into the sea and escaped. The Yaba smuggler was first sent to Teknaf and then to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for treatment.
"The boat was searched and three drug traffickers were arrested along with a 9mm foreign pistol, four rounds of live ammunition, and 30,000 yaba. Legal process regarding the arrested yaba traffickers along with all the seized evidence is in process," said Lt Harun.
Teknaf Upazila Health Complex's Emergency Department doctor Riyad Saeed Chowdhury confirmed that Shukkur was initially taken there for treatment.
"At around 5:30am, Coast Guard members brought a man named Abdus Shukkur to the hospital with a bullet wound in the back. He was quickly treated and referred to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital for advanced treatment. However, his condition is critical," said Dr Riyad.
