United News of Bangladesh

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has arrested a total of 152 alleged extortionists during a special drive conducted across the capital over the 48 hours. The information was disclosed by DMP acting Commissioner Md Sarwar at a press briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Sunday noon. He said ensuring security, comfort and a peaceful life for city residents remains a key commitment of the police. “As part of that effort, a coordinated special drive has been intensified since May 1 targeting extortionists, drug traffickers, armed criminals and online gambling networks across the city.” According to the acting DMP chief, the operation is part of a broader security strategy aimed at improving law and order and curbing crime nationwide in line with the government’s commitments. He said law enforcement agencies are conducting targeted operations in crime-prone areas, including sudden block raids, setting up checkpoints, and increasing intelligence surveillance alongside CCTV monitoring to restrict escape routes of offenders. Sarwar said suspected persons are being punished through mobile courts after scrutinising their offences, while major offenders are being processed through regular case procedures and sent to court. He added that joint efforts involving local thana, Detective Branch, Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime, plainclothes officers and cyber monitoring teams are being carried out using modern technology to track criminal activities, particularly online fraud and gambling. During the 48-hour drive, police arrested 58 listed extortionists and 94 associated members based on specific intelligence. Highlighting other successes, the acting DMP chief said 80 kilograms of cannabis were recovered in a drive on Saturday, alongside arrests of active drug traffickers. In recent weeks, law enforcement has shifted focus from small drug users and petty dealers to larger consignments, recovering over 100,000 Yaba tablets, around half a kilogram of heroin, and more than 200 kilograms of cannabis in separate operations, he said. Sarwar also said investigations are underway to identify and prosecute the “godfathers” behind drug networks, with steps being taken to file cases, including money laundering, in coordination with relevant units such as Criminal Investigation Department. He reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy on illegal arms holders, saying operations against online gambling operators and digital fraud rings are ongoing. To strengthen area-based security, police have already set up two camps in Bosila and Karwan Bazar, with plans to establish more in other important locations soon, the acting DMP chief added.