The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has launched raids on the Stranded Pakistanis Relief Camp, popularly known as the Geneva Camp, in the city's Mohammadpur as a part of its nationwide anti-drug drive, report agencies.
Several groups of RAB detained at least a hundred suspects in the raids, which began early on Saturday.
The camp, where thousands of stranded Pakistanis (better known as Biharis) live is an alleged hub of the drug trade.
RAB spokesman Mufti Mahmud Khan said the elite force conducted the operation from 10:30 am to 12:40 pm in an open and fair way.
"We want to eradicate drug trafficking and expel those involved in the drug trade here. We request the local community not to allow anyone to be spared."
Similar operations will be continued in the future, he said.
RAB detectives, the dog squad and RAB-2 personnel cordoned off the Geneva Camp area. They then began searching the alleys.
Many drug dealers tried to dispose of their stash when they became aware of the raid, RAB said.
RAB personnel say they have confiscated various narcotics, including marijuana and Yaba.
Reports from the scene indicate over a hundred, including some women, were arrested.
Mufti Mahmud said the exact number was not yet available, but would be released after the suspects were interrogated.
Meanwhile, law enforcers arrested a total of 128 people during the ongoing anti-narcotics drives in Rajshahi, Bagerhat, Jhalakathi and Sherpur districts in last 24 hours until 4:00 pm Saturday, reports UNB.In Rajshahi, police arrested 59 people from different areas of the district. Among the arrestees, 19 were accused in several cases, 19 were held for drug dealings while 21 on other charges.
In Bagerhat, 43 people were arrested from different areas. Among those, 13 people were held for drug trading and police recovered 75 Yaba pills and 200 gm hemp from their possession, said police control room.
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