CMP ‘S-Drive’ Operation 65 Arrested in Major Citywide Crackdown

The Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) arrested 65 people during a special ‘S Drive’ conducted across the port city on Sunday night. The operation targeted drugs, robbery, extortion and juvenile gangs.

Police said raids were carried out simultaneously in all 16 police stations under the metropolis to prevent suspects from moving between areas.

According to CMP data, 41 of those arrested are accused robbers. The others include 12 members of juvenile gangs, five drug dealers, five extortionists and two gamblers.

Police recovered weapons and drugs during the drive. The seized items include one locally made firearm (LG), three knives, 12 shotgun cartridges, 10 pistol bullets and three machetes. A total of 469 Yaba tablets were also recovered from various locations.

Station-wise data show the highest number of arrests — 13 — was made in Kotwali. Eight suspects were arrested each in Bayezid and Patenga, six in Chandgaon, five in Doublemooring, and four each in Chawkbazar and EPZ. Three arrests were made each in Sadarghat, Baklia and Panchlaish. Two suspects were detained in Khulshi, Akbarshah and Karnaphuli, and one each in Pahartali and Bandar.

CMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Wahidul Haque Chowdhury said the coordinated drive aimed to stop criminals from fleeing one থানা area to another. He added that senior officers, including officers-in-charge, took part in the operation.

Police said the crackdown was also intended to reassure residents following a recent shooting incident targeting the residence of an industrial group chairman in the city.