Army Conducts Special Raid in Rayer Bazar, Arrests 18 with Homemade Weapons and Drugs

In a targeted intelligence-based operation in Rayer Bazar, Mohammadpur, the Bangladesh Army detained 18 suspects believed to be involved in gang-related activities and other criminal offences.

The raid, carried out late on the night of January 23, extended into the early hours of the following day.

According to military officials, the special unit operating under the 46th Independent Infantry Brigade conducted the raid based on credible intelligence. The operation focused on Cancer Lane and surrounding streets, areas where residents have reported heightened insecurity due to criminal activity.

During the operation, soldiers recovered a significant number of illegal items from the suspects. These included multiple homemade sharp weapons such as machetes and blades, a number of mobile phones, narcotics prepared for sale, and cash believed to be linked to drug distribution.

Details from the operation state that authorities seized at least a dozen homemade swords, several large knives and samurai-style blades, 13 mobile phones, 125 packets of marijuana, and over 40,000 taka in cash. Early questioning of the detainees suggested regular involvement in drug peddling, extortion, theft, and other unlawful activities. Several of the arrested individuals also reportedly face multiple complaints and cases in various police stations.

Military officials said the arrested suspects will be handed over to the Mohammadpur Police Station to face legal proceedings. The army described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and security, particularly in areas where local communities have expressed fear of gang influence and criminal behaviour.

The action follows earlier raids in the same neighbourhood, where smaller groups of suspects were detained, and similar contraband was recovered. These efforts reflect heightened security operations in urban areas plagued by gang activity and illegal arms circulation.

Authorities emphasised that such operations will continue as part of broader efforts to ensure law and order ahead of the coming months and to restore a sense of normalcy in affected communities.